Messi finally becomes part of Koeman's new project at FC Barcelona

Lionel Messi is expected back at the Ciutat Esportiva today for the training at 17:30 local time. The Argentine star will undergo a PCR test at home before belatedly beginning preseason at FC Barcelona.

This comes after Barça refused to sell Messi this summer with the player forced to back down in order to avoid a lengthy court case. No club was willing to pay €700m for Leo.

Messi claimed in his interview with 'Goal' that he would show the same commitment as ever. Leo's reasons for leaving were his desire to win another Champions League title, something he doesn't feel is possible under Bartomeu's leadership, and to feel happy out on the pitch again.

Barça's new manager, Ronald Koeman, met with Messi before this saga truly began. He saw the same desire to compete, to win, but Leo let him know that he was considering his future at the club. 

It hasn't been the best of starts between Koeman and Messi, no one can deny that, but it'll be interesting to see if the Dutchman can get Leo back on side.

Koeman will finally get to work with Messi this week and the club captain could even play some part of the friendly against Nàstic de Tarragona on Saturday.