Messi has permission from Ernesto Valverde to return on January 2, with all the other South American footballers and Munir El Haddadi. Three more days of holiday than the rest of the squad - back on December 30 to prepare new year's appointments.

The presence of the Barca forward awoke sudden interest at the Rosario Islas Malvinas airport. Some workers took photos of the No 10 and posted them on social media, as it were an unusual traveling companion.

Messi has spent Christmas at home, disconnecting from all the pressures. He is actually the top scorer in La Liga with 15 goals and still aiming at Golden Boot.