Messi and Suarez catch up in Madrid at Italian restaurant Numa Pompilio

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez enjoyed a reunion in Madrid on Tuesday as the Barcelona star took advantage of some time off to catch up with his old teammates.

Ronald Koeman's given his squad time off until Thursday, while Suarez could help Atletico win the La Liga title this weekend when they play Real Valladolid.

Messi considered it the perfect time to catch up with his 'hermano' to provide him with some support ahead of a huge week.

Along with his wife, Antonella Rocuzzo, Messi travelled to Madrid to meet with Suarez and his partner, Sofia Balbi, who for six years in Catalonia they called neighbours.

They ate at the Italian restaurant Numa Pompilio, a popular locale based in the Salamanca neighbourhood in Madrid.

The two players arrived in the same vehicle, with Suarez and riving and Messi sat in the passenger's seat. Their partners arrived later in a different car.

Suarez left for Atletico at the start of the season but coronavirus restrictions and a packed calendar have made it difficult for him and Messi to see each other regularly.

They did have the chance recently, when Atletico held Barça to a 0-0 draw at Camp Nou on May 8.

Since then Barça, have failed to win two more games, while back-to-back wins for Atletico, with Suarez scoring a dramatic late winner against Osasuna at the weekend, has kept them in the driving seat for the title.

If the Rojiblancos can win at Real Valladolid this weekend, they will be crowned champions. If they draw or lose, Real Madrid can leapfrog them with a win.

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