Ronald Koeman has picked captain Lionel Messi for his first game in charge of Barcelona for their friendly against Gimnastic on Saturday night.
The Argentina had widely been expected to depart after signalling his intention to the club to leave on a free transfer this summer.
However, after his wishes were rejected, he has rejoined the squad and now starts their first game of 2020/21 under their new boss.
The first XI of the 2020/21 preseason! #BarçaNastic pic.twitter.com/oePhJ9bb7u
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 12, 2020
Luis Suárez and Arturo Vidal have been left out of the squad as they close in on exits, while Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembélé start.
Teenage midfielder Pedri also makes his debut at the heart of the action.
