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Lionel Messi has been spotted in Barcelona on Monday despite Argentina currently preparing for their latest round of World Cup qualifiers.
However, as per the Daily Mail, Messi was left out of the Argentina squad to face Chile and Colombia in World Cup qualifying later this week as his country’s place in the tournament later this year is all but secured.
In turn, it is reported that Messi made the most of his free time by jetting back to Barcelona where he celebrated Xavi’s 42nd birthday alongside former team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Lionel Messi makes surprise return to Barcelona to celebrate Xavi’s 42nd birthday with old team-mates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba https://t.co/Ut7cY5AHYm
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) January 25, 2022
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Xavi, now, of course, Barcelona’s manager, would no doubt have loved to be able to call upon Messi for their next outing.
La Blaugrana are set to face off with Atletico Madrid in their first game back after the break on February 6th.
The tie is a huge one for both sides – who are all but out of the title race this campaign – and could be vital in their attempts to secure Champions League football next term.
Barcelona head into the game at the Camp Nou sat 5th in La Liga, which would currently see them placed in the Europa League next campaign.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are 4th in the Spanish top-flight, but are currently only one point above Barcelona having played the same number of games.
So, if Xavi and co. want to secure that top-four spot, it is likely imperative they do not lose to Atletico when they meet next month.
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