After expressing his desire to leave Barcelona during the summer transfer window, Messi was said to have informed club officials that he would not be taking part in coronavirus tests ahead of Ronald Koeman’s first session.
This left the new manager to take charge of his first training session without the super star Lionel Messi, who is also the captain of the team, which went trophyless last season.
Messi’s absence comes as he is on course for a legal battle with the club over his desire to exit after LaLiga released a statement insisting his £624 million release clause still stands. The 33-year’s old star allegedly no longer considers himself to be a Barcelona player, believing that a contract clause entitles him to depart on a free transfer.
Following this fallout between Messi and Barcelona, there has been keen interest from various top leagues to sign the super star player, with Manchester City top of it all. Manchester City have continued to monitor the situation ahead of making an official approach.
The Argentine was not the only big name to miss the first day of pre-season training as Samuel Umtiti did not arrive for coronavirus testing as planned on Sunday with the defender also missing Monday’s first training session.
Philippe Coutinho was also missing after being given some time off for helping Bayern Munich win the Champions League. The Brazilian is set to return to Barcelona after a short break where he will look to either be able to impress the new manager in order to revive his career or move to a new challenge elsewhere.
Other Barcelona players missing first day of training included Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Miralem Pjanic, Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Clement Lenglet, Antoine Griezmann, Francisco Trincao, Nelson Semedo, Martin Braithwaite, Ansu Fati, Inaki Pena, Riqui Puig, Juan Miranda, Carles Alena and Pedri.
Those around for training were Gerard Pique, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Jordi Alba.
Barcelona so far has not announced financial penalties for their striking captain although rules would allow them to suspend him without pay if and when he fails to show for today’s session.
There is agreement between LaLiga clubs and the Spanish players’ union which stipulates that a player who misses three days of training can be suspended without pay and lose up to 25 per cent of his monthly salary.
Though the final decision over punishments is left with individual clubs, however, it appears Barcelona are unlikely to announce any action before a meeting between Messi’s father Jorge and club president Josep Bartomeu which is expected later this week.
