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Lionel Messi arrived back in Barcelona on Wednesday after taking a break following a successful Copa America campaign with Argentina in Brazil.
The 34-year-old and his family have been enjoying a well-deserved vacation after a long season for club and country but are now back in Barcelona ahead of the new campaign.
Messi and his family were spotted arriving back at Barcelona’s El Prat airport by reporters.
VÍDEO | ️ Leo Messi evita las preguntas sobre su futuro y se dedica a firmar a varios aficionados en su vuelta a Barcelona (vía @DavidIbanez5) https://t.co/dZ4Q899wji pic.twitter.com/oJts1aKc1k
— Deportes Cuatro (@DeportesCuatro) July 28, 2021
According to reports, it’s only a short stop with Messi set to enjoy a few more days of holiday before getting back to work ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. Indeed, the Argentine is actually back in Barcelona on the day the squad flies out to Germany for a pre-season training camp.
Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 28, 2021
Let's gooo! pic.twitter.com/LRDw3v2l7I
Messi is not due to return to training until August 2, along with Sergio Aguero and Emerson Royal, and will not link up with the rest of his teammates until later in the week when they return.
The club captain is, of course, currently a free agent after his contract expired but there is hope a new deal will be announced shortly. Sport report that he will not return to training before he has signed a new deal but is expected to put pen to paper by August 2.