Lionel Messi cuts short holiday to join Barcelona mates in UK finale

Lionel Messi will be part of the Barcelona squad that returns to St George’s Park for a training camp next week after the reigning FIFA world player of the year cut short his summer break

Lionel Messi will be part of the Barcelona squad that returns to St George’s Park for a training camp next week after the reigning FIFA world player of the year cut short his summer break.

Lionel Messi with his girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo during their recent holiday. Pics/Antonella Roccuzzo's Instagram account

Messi was due to be absent until the start of August following his exertions at the Copa America this summer, where he helped Argentina reach the final before losing on penalties to Chile.

Roccuzzo posted this picture of Messi's new hairdo yesterday

However, the 29-year-old, who announced his international retirement following that loss, has decided to return early and on Saturday was named in Luis Enrique’s 25-man travelling squad to England.

As well as Messi, Barca confirmed the likes of Luis Suarez, Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will be among 13 senior players at the National Football Centre.

There will also be 12 members from the club’s youth ranks. The rest of the squadwill join up their team-mates once their holidays are over.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!