Messi shadowed by recovery coach

Catalan sports paper Sport reports that Barcelona attacker and Argentinian international Lionel Messi (22) would depart at noon today for Russia to play in tomorrow's international friendly match between Argentina and Russia.

Sport claims that Messi would as usual, be accompanied by Barcelona recovery coach Juanjo Brau. Brau has been shadowing Messi for the past year, tending to all his health and recovery needs. The Argentinian national team would have been receptive to Brau's presence as they are aware of Messi's vastly improved performance since working with Brau.

Messi is expected to return to Barcelona on Thursday morning the day after the friendly match. Messi would arrive in time to train with the team in preparation for the 1st leg of the Spanish Supercup against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

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