Lionel Messi makes surprise return to Barcelona

Lionel Messi has a week off after sitting out of Argentina's national team this week. He returned to Barcelona to celebrate the 42nd birthday of former teammate Xavi. Messi made his return to PSG on Sunday after catching Covid-19 on January 2.

Lionel Messi made a surprise return to Barcelona on Monday night, where he celebrated Xavi's 42nd birthday alongside former teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Messi was left out of the Argentina squad to face Chile and Colombia in World Cup qualifiers later this week, as his country's place in the tournament later this year is all but guaranteed, so he made the most of his free time by returning to the city where he made a name for himself as one of football's all-time greats.