Messi Plays First Game For Barca Since Transfer Saga

On Saturday, Lionel Messi returned to the field for FC Barcelona for the first time since his controversial transfer saga, making his unofficial debut under Ronald Koeman. Here is how it went!

Click through the gallery above to see some images of Messi's return to action for Barcelona!

The Catalan giants took on third-tier team Gimnastic de Tarragona in a friendly on Saturday, winning 3-1 as Koeman fielded two different teams in each half.

In the first period of play, Messi lined up in a front three with Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, and it is understood the Argentine put in a positive display ahead of the new season.

In addition, he wore the captain's armband after the club confirmed he will still lead the team despite his attempts to force a move away from the Spanish giants in recent weeks.

Messi was not expected to take part in the friendly on the weekend, having only returned to training last week. Barcelona's 2020/21 LaLiga campaign only begins in about two weeks after they were given more time to prepare due to the unusual circumstances of the previous season.

Messi To Become Football's Next Billionaire

While the six-time Ballon d'Or winner did not score, he did let Griezmann take a first-half penalty, which the Frenchman converted. Dembele and Philippe Coutinho were the other goalscorers for Barca.

Are you excited to see how Barcelona does with Koeman in charge? Let us know in the comments section below.