PICTURED: Lionel Messi and Co taking their medical tests
Lionel Messi returned to work on Thursday, a week earlier than expected. The Argentine has left behind the disappointment and criticism after the defeat in the Copa America final against Chile.
Messi had three weeks of holiday in total, during which he has not lost his fitness, conscious that there will be two official titles to play for in the next couple of weeks.
In fact, his partner Antonella Rocuzzo posted a picture on Instagram of him working out on the treadmill duing his break, in his own house.
Messi took his medical tests at the start of the season in Barcelona's sports centre, along with Javier Mascherano, Neymar, Dani Alves and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona's first competitive game is against Sevilla in Tbilisi, Georgia, in the European Super Cup. That is followed by two Spanish Super Cup clashes with Athletic Club on August 14 and 17, before they face the same opponent in the opening week of La Liga.
Messi showed he was pumped up for the new season by posting this on Facebook:
¡Se acabaron las vacaciones! Empezamos a prepararnos para otra temporada llena de desafíos. 💪 The holiday is over! Starting to get ready for the new season with plenty of challenges ahead. 💪 - LIO
Posted by Leo Messi on Thursday, July 30, 2015
