• Lionel Messi, left, and Luis Suarez arrive for a training session at the Joan Gamper Sports Center as Barcelona prepare for the Primera Liga clash against Atletico Madrid. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Lionel Messi, left, and Luis Suarez arrive for a training session at the Joan Gamper Sports Center as Barcelona prepare for the Primera Liga clash against Atletico Madrid. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta arrives at the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta arrives at the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Barcelona defender Gerard Pique arrives for the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Barcelona defender Gerard Pique arrives for the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez smiles arrive for the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez smiles arrive for the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Barcelona player including Lionel Messi, left, take part in a training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Barcelona player including Lionel Messi, left, take part in a training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Barcelona defender Nelson Semedo, right, takes part in the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Barcelona defender Nelson Semedo, right, takes part in the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Lionel Messi, right, takes part in a training session with his Barcelona teammates. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Lionel Messi, right, takes part in a training session with his Barcelona teammates. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, centre, during the trainin session with Andres Iniesta, right, and Luis Suarez, centre. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde, centre, during the trainin session with Andres Iniesta, right, and Luis Suarez, centre. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen makes a save during the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen makes a save during the training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
  • Barcelona players takes part in a training session. Pau Barrena / AFP
    Barcelona players takes part in a training session. Pau Barrena / AFP

Messi returns to club duty after Argentina heroics as Barcelona train for Atletico Madrid - in pictures


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Lionel Messi was the centre of attention this week after his hat-trick led Argentina to a 3-1 win against Ecuador to ensure their place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia next summer.

However, there has been little time to rest or celebrate for one of the world's greatest ever players as Barcelona face Atletico Madrid on Saturday in the first big test of their Primera Liga title credentials.

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Messi, along with the rest of his teammates, returned from international duty and straight into preparations for the trip to Atletico's new Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

Barcelona have made a perfect start to the Primera Liga season, winning all seven matches to hold a seven point lead over their fierce rivals - and reigning champions - Real Madrid.

Real Madrid travel to 13th-placed Getafe on Saturday seeking their third straight win after a shaky start to the season lose at home to Real Betis and held to draws by Levante and Valencia.