Lionel Messi returns to FC Barcelona with a vengence
By Serena Burks
FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi returns to training after a preseason calf injury and schools his teammates.
Lionel Messi is perhaps the best and most well-known soccer player on the planet. He’s spent his entire career at FC Barcelona, who acquired him at the ripe age of 13. Messi has earned numerous awards for his play, led his team to titles and captained both Barcelona and the Argentina national team for several years. He battled through a growth hormone deficiency to become what he is, and what he is capable of never ceases to amaze.
After declaring he was retiring from international play in 2016, Messi changed his mind and returned to the Argentina national team to help them qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Argentina would get knocked out in the Round of 16 by France, which eventually won the tournament. He also helped his team place third in the 2019 Copa América.
Messi missed Barcelona’s season opener against Athletic Bilbao after injuring his calf on the first day of preseason training. His absence hurt the team as they lost 1-0, but he returned to training and wasted no time reminding his team why he’s considered the best in the world.
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His skill with the ball is ridiculous. He always knows where it is, and it’s almost like there’s a magnet attached to both his feet and the ball. Most people recognize him as the prolific goal scorer that he is, but those who are more familiar with the beautiful game recognize his playmaking ability as well.
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It’s not just that the ball seems attached to his feet when he has the ball, but his vision on the field and ability to put the ball exactly where another player needs it to be. He has great anticipation and an uncanny knack for ball placement. Barcelona have to be happy he is back in training, and it looks like he should be well enough to participate in this weekend’s contest against Real Betis.