Lionel Messi and his Barcelona teammates upped the work rate in training as they prepared for a return to action next month. In bright sunshine, the Argentine forward took part in all-out sprints as well as some friendly match action at Barca's training ground. Working hard at Barca's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper complex, players including captain Messi, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong, and Spanish forward Ansu Fati were also pictured going through group drills. Spanish clubs began training in groups of 10 players at the start of the week, in line with health protocols, as La Liga took another step towards the planned resumption of the season in June. La Liga chief Javier Tebas is hopeful matches will <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/la-liga-still-targets-june-12-restart-despite-eight-new-coronavirus-cases-1.1017609">return from June 12</a> but admitted the exact timing will depend on the health authorities in Spain and the trajectory of the virus. The best of Barcelona's training session on Friday can be viewed in full in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next image, swipe if using a mobile device, or if on a computer, click the arrows.
