Lionel Messi has spent most of his preseason with Barcelona recovering from an injury suffered on his first day back in training. The Messi injury, a Grade 1 calf strain, could keep him out of the LaLiga opener on Friday against Athletic Bilbao.
But the Argentine is working hard to be fit for the match at the San Mamés.
Video surfaced Thursday of Messi rehabbing on sand, training alone as he rebuilds strength in his calf. Even playing what was essentially beach soccer, Messi’s impeccable technique is evident and he’s a joy to watch.
Beware @LaLiga defences, Leo Messi is aiming to come back stronger than ever pic.twitter.com/Pc0VvEhxsG
— OTRO (@OTRO) August 15, 2019
Maybe a bit too much of a joy. It reminds me of a certain scene in the very macho movie Top Gun.
Um…
Anyway.
Back to that Messi injury.
It appears Messi will not partake in the season opener on Friday.
SQUAD
#AthleticBarça
San Mamés
This is the first list for our La Liga debut! pic.twitter.com/zH7r3jSF2n— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 15, 2019
It is no surprise Ernesto Valverde is proceeding with caution on Messi, as there is a long season ahead. Expect Messi to be back soon, however, perhaps as early as the home opener against Real Betis on Aug. 25.