Lionel Messi returns to Barcelona training an hour and a half early after announcing he will stay at Camp Nou

Messi arrived ahead of schedule on Monday.
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Ben Hayward7 September 2020

Lionel Messi arrived an hour and a half early for Barcelona training on Monday after announcing last week that he will be staying at the Catalan club.

The Argentine attacker had told Barca in August that he wanted to leave this summer, but revealed on Friday that he will remain at Camp Nou.

Messi, who failed to turn up to the club's training ground when he was expected back for medical tests last Sunday, returned ahead of time on Monday as training began under new coach Ronald Koeman.

Monday's session was due to start at 17:30 local time, but the six-time Ballon d'Or winner drove into Barca's training ground at 15:57 CET – more than an hour and a half ahead of schedule.

The 33-year-old was the first player to arrive and will now look to build up his fitness for LaLiga, which kicks off later this month.

Messi is under contract for one more season at Barcelona and, unless he signs a new deal in the coming months, will be able to leave the Catalan club for free in the summer of 2021.

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