Lionel Messi missing from open training session with stomach complaint
Barcelona trained on Monday at the Mini Estadi in their traditional training open day on the eve of Epiphany. The event, festive as ever for kids, was marked by the absence of Lionel Messi.
The Argentine was not present at the training session because of gastroenteritis. He was not alone, as Rafinha could not participate because of an ear infection.
Apart from these two, Jeremy Mathieu also was not present, performing specific work elsewhere.
Despite these absences, fans filled the Mini Estadi and put a lot of colour in the stands on a sunny but cold morning in Barcelona.
Shirts, jackets and banners all helped put on a display, despite the team's stumble at Anoeta on Sunday night.
Messi posted on Facebook: "I would have liked to have been in the Christmas training session. I never miss it but sometimes there are things you cannot control. I hope the dreams of all the children come true. A hug."
