After confirming that he will stay at Barcelona for another season, everyone was expecting to see Leo Messi at the training ground in Sant Joan Despi on Saturday morning to be tested for coronavirus.
But 'AS', 'Mundo Deportivo' and 'Marca' say that the Argentine did not turn up and that has led to plenty of rumours as to why the striker did not go. The player will not be able to resume pre-season training without undergoing this test.
That is part of the LaLiga protocol to make sure the rest of the squad do not get infected. After announcing that he will stay at the Camp Nou, the Argentina captain will have to be tested and wait for the results before returning to training.
The newspapers add that one possible explanation is that Messi decided to get tested in his own home. That way he would avoid the large number of journalists who were waiting for him.
Messi broke his silence and explained in detail what happened in recent days after an announcement which shocked the footballing world. "I wouldn't go to court against Barca, they are the club I love. I'm going to continue at Barca and my attitude isn't going to change despite wanting to leave," the 33 year-old said.
As Barca have been given the day off this Sunday, we will have to wait until Monday to see Messi train under Ronald Koeman. That is subject to him testing negative, of course.
September 5, 2020