Messi returns to Barcelona after deciding to stay at the club | Spanish football

The expectation was great for Messi’s return to activities at the Joan Gamper Training Center, and many journalists went to Ciutat Esportiva to try to record his return to work. But the activity will be with closed doors. In the latest coronavirus tests, essential to go out into the field, the Argentine tested negative.

Barcelona’s main team resumed training early last week when new coach Ronaldo Koeman led their first session. This Monday the coach will meet with Messi for the first time after the conversation they had, in which the player declared that he saw himself “more outside than inside” the club.

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Messi decided to stay at Barcelona after not being able to unilaterally undo his contract, which ends in June 2021. The player chose to avoid a battle on the pitch, amid a disagreement with the club’s board, which demanded the payment of a fine by dismissal. 700 million euros (R $ 4.5 billion).

He tried to keep in shape during the last days training at home. Barcelona’s first friendly is scheduled for next Saturday against Nàstic de Tarragona, and the coaching staff hopes to be able to put their number 10 on the pitch for a few minutes.

This is the same day as the inauguration of the Spain Championship. But the premieres of the teams involved that participated in the Champions League and Europa League finals have been postponed. Barcelona only plays on the weekend of September 26 and 27, against Villarreal.