Ronald Koeman and Lionel Messi’s first meeting since the six-time Ballon d’Or winner decided to remain at Barcelona this season was very positive for everybody involved.
Messi was set to go away the club this summer after becoming disillusioned with life at the Nou Camp but after being told he couldn’t leave for free of charge he relented and has decided to remain this season.
After missing training last week, the forward returned for his first pre-season session on Monday and met with the new manager before joining in.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Koeman told the 33-year-old he was happy for him to be back but warned he only wanted players committed to the club.
The newspaper reports that Messi told the manager he was committed and promised him that he’d return to his best form for the team this season.
Messi did train alone on Monday as he was performing on his fitness, having missed the primary few sessions of pre season whilst still trying to form his move happen.
Along with Philippe Coutinho, who was also performing on fitness, the Argentina superstar was thanks to join the remainder of his teammates for a double training session on Tuesday, before the new La Liga season starting this weekend.
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