Lionel Messi’s summer didn’t go to plan as the Barcelona star couldn’t manage to inspire Argentina to glory at the World Cup in Russia.
The Albiceleste were on the ropes as early as the group stage after their defeat to Croatia followed an opening-game draw with Iceland.
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While they saw off Nigeria in dramatic fashion, they crashed out after defeat to France in the last-16, and in what was perhaps Messi’s final shot at the World Cup, they were sent home earlier than many expected.
In turn, he’ll have to close the book on that setback now as he returned from his holiday and landed back in Barcelona this week as he prepares for the new campaign, as seen in the images below.
The rest of the Barcelona squad resumed pre-season training this week but given his World Cup exploits, Messi will undoubtedly have a little longer off.
Given he’s back in Spain now though, he’ll be raring to go sooner rather than later as the Catalan giants look to sustain their domestic success from last season while making a bigger impression in the Champions League. Messi will undoubtedly be a fundamental part of the that push for more silverware.
? | Lionel Messi spotted in Barcelona after his vacation in the Caribbean. pic.twitter.com/edlCLBP035
— Culé Source (@CuleSource) July 13, 2018