• Lionel Messi, third left, takes centre stage in Barcelona's training session on Friday ahead of their Copa del Rey final with Valencia on Saturday. AP Photo
    Lionel Messi, third left, takes centre stage in Barcelona's training session on Friday ahead of their Copa del Rey final with Valencia on Saturday. AP Photo
  • Barcelona's players were kept busy in Friday's training session. AP Photo
    Barcelona's players were kept busy in Friday's training session. AP Photo
  • Barcelona players attend a training session at the Joan Gamper Sports City in Sant Joan Despi. AFP
    Barcelona players attend a training session at the Joan Gamper Sports City in Sant Joan Despi. AFP
  • Barcelona's Sergio Busquets with team mates during training. Reuters
    Barcelona's Sergio Busquets with team mates during training. Reuters
  • Messi makes a pass during training. AP Photo
    Messi makes a pass during training. AP Photo
  • Manager Ernesto Valverde oversees training. EPA
    Manager Ernesto Valverde oversees training. EPA
  • Barcelona's players were in a relaxed mood in training. EPA
    Barcelona's players were in a relaxed mood in training. EPA
  • Lionel Messi, right, and Jordi Alba, left. EPA
    Lionel Messi, right, and Jordi Alba, left. EPA
  • Barcelona's Arturo Vidal during training. EPA
    Barcelona's Arturo Vidal during training. EPA
  • Barcelona's manager Ernesto Valverde. AP Photo
    Barcelona's manager Ernesto Valverde. AP Photo
  • Barcelona's Lionel Messi during training. Reuters
    Barcelona's Lionel Messi during training. Reuters

Lionel Messi and Barcelona train ahead of Copa del Rey final with Valencia - in pictures


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Barcelona are aiming to sign off the 2018-19 season in style on Saturday night when they take on Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.

The La Liga title has been successfully retained already, but Ernesto Valverde's side are still at a low ebb after their shock Uefa Champions League exit to Liverpool earlier in May at Anfield.

Barca had won the first leg 3-0, but capitulated in the second leg of the semi-final as they lost 4-0 at Merseyside to lose the tie to the Premier League club 4-3 on aggregate.

Captain Lionel Messi said he and his teammates were anxious to bounce back against Valencia.

"That game has spoilt a little the year we have had," he said. "I just want to win the final and end the season with another trophy.

"We are all aware that it is a final and it's another trophy to win. We have to end the season well, celebrating another title if we can."

The game kicks off at 11pm on Saturday UAE time and Barcelona trained on Friday ahead of the game.

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