Lionel Messi returns to Barcelona training for pre-season for first time after getting married as superstar nears signing new mega-deal

Jul 17, 2017

LIONEL MESSI returned to Barcelona training for the first time under new gaffer Ernesto Valverde following his busy summer.

The Argentine ace spent his time off tying the knot with wife Antonella Ruccozzo, honeymooning in the Caribbean and partying with team-mates in Ibiza.

Lionel Messi underwent his first training session under new boss Ernesto Valverde

Messi, Suarez and Neymar return to pre-season training at Barcelona

The Argentine ace was snapped laughing and joking with Luis Suarez and Neymar

But the hard work ahead of the new campaign is well underway as the Barca ace gets used to his new manager's methods.

The 30-year-old looked in good spirits as he was seen laughing and joking with lethal duo Luis Suarez and Neymar.

'MSN' couldn't fire the Catalan giants to the league title or Champions League last season but with the addition of Benfica's Nelson Semedo they will be hoping to go one better.

Barca's new coach Valverde is relieved to have Messi on his team and not as a rival

Messi's future was also sorted this summer as he is set to sign a new mega-deal with the club.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will put pen-to-paper on a new contract with a staggering £500,000-a-week deal that will see him stay at the club until at least 2021.

His contract is said to include a release clause worth a huge £264MILLION, as Barcelona confirmed the deal has already been agreed.