LIONEL MESSI today returned to action in a Barcelona shirt for the first time since trying to leave the club earlier this summer.
The 33-year-old shocked the football world last month when he outlined his desire to leave Camp Nou.
Messi had a smile on his face as he returned to Barca actionCredit: AFP or licensors
The twinkle-toed attacker lines up a trademark shotCredit: AFP or licensors
Ronald Koeman had been preparing for his star player to departCredit: EPA
But having made a dramatic U-turn on the move – deciding he didn’t have the heart to take his beloved club to court in order to force his way out – Messi returned to training on Monday.
And new boss Ronald Koeman elected to pick him from the start as his side overcame Gimnastic 3-1 in the late-summer sunshine.
But it was a trio of Messi’s team-mates with points to prove that got on the scoresheet.
Ousmane Dembele put Barca 1-0 up with just six minutes on the clock.
And Antoine Griezmann doubled their advantage from the penalty spot 11 minutes later.
Javi Bonilla got the Spanish minnows back into the game shortly after, with Messi being withdrawn at half-time.
Ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, back from his loan spell at Bayern Munich, then made it 3-1 from 12-yards six minutes into the second half.
Messi has been doing his best to make up for lost time this week, after skipping the start of Barcelona’s pre-season.
Barca and Messi will get back to LaLiga action in a fortnightCredit: AFP or licensors
Ronald Koeman watched his new charges in actionCredit: EPA
The Argentine turned up for training an hour-and-a-half early on Monday – and was first to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday too.
He then trained on the team’s day off on Thursday in a bid to catch up.
And the legendary No10 assured fans: “My attitude won’t change because I wanted to leave. I will give my all.”
Barcelona will get their LaLiga campaign underway in a fortnight, having been given extra time to recover following their now-infamous Champions League run.
Messi will also be in action for his country next month too, after an international suspension was overturned by CONMEBOL.
Antoine Griezmann netted from the spotCredit: Reuters
Philippe Coutinho returned with a goalCredit: AFP or licensors
Lionel Messi trains with Barcelona for first time since failed transfer request as he prepares for new season
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
