Lionel Messi may have reversed his decision to leave Barcelona, but it isn't normal service resumed just yet.
The Argentine, who on Friday said he had reluctantly agreed to stay at the Spanish giants to avoid taking them to court over his wish to depart, was again absent from training on Saturday morning.
While the likes of Jordi Alba, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez arrived for the session, Messi failed to appear at the Joan Gamper training complex.
Barcelona also tweeted a list of players who were back in action on the training pitch, including Carles Alena and Riqui Puig, but there was no mention of Messi.
💪 #SaturdayMorning. Last training session of the week.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 5, 2020
Back today: @IP_Sotorres1, @JMirandaG19, Carles Aleñá, Pedri, and @RiquiPuig.@Phil_Coutinho continues with individual work. pic.twitter.com/siq31PfWUB
The club did acknowledge Messi's about turn on Friday with a single line quote from the player, saying: “I will give it my all. My love for Barca will never change.”
Messi was due to report to the club last weekend for coronavirus testing ahead of training, but failed to show.
Local media reported that Messi must still take a coronavirus test before he can be involved in training, and that should happen some time in the next few days.
The player had been seeking to leave on a free transfer, but La Liga released a statement saying his contract was still valid and that he can only leave if his €700 million (Dh3.039 billion) release clause is triggered.
The saga appears to have come to an end - for now - after he spoke publicly about the situation on Friday and clarified that he will remain at the Camp Nou.
