Despite Confirming His Stay, Messi Snubs Barcelona Training With Koeman

On Saturday morning, Lionel Messi was absent at training with Barcelona despite his confirmation that he will remain in Barcelona squad for the 2020/2021 season on Friday.

The 33-year-old Argentine forward revealed that he had been forced to stay at the Camp Nou and accused the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu of violating his promise to permit him exit the club.

This comes after about 11 days tension since he sent a fax message telling Barca he wanted to go.

Players like Philippe Coutinho and Jordi Alba were seen arriving for the training.

But, unfortunately Messi was absent at the Joan Gamper training complex which kick-started at 07:30 GMT.

Last Sunday, Messi deliberately went absent for the mandatory Coronavirus test conducted on the entire squad.

Come September 12, he could still feature in Ronald Koeman’s first friendly fixture against third division Nastic.