Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman, on Friday, dubbed Lionel Messi as the best as they get ready to play their first game since Messi’s failed attempt to leave this summer. Koeman said he will field two separate line-ups in each half in a friendly match against Gimnastic Tarragona on Saturday. Messi could feature in the game.

Following a chaotic few weeks, Messi returned to pre-season on Monday as he tries to make up for the lost time.

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But after Messi’s explosive interview with Goal last week, in which he said he had been forced to stay but pledged to give his all for the team, Koeman struck a more conciliatory tone on Friday.

“I have already said it several times that Messi is the best. Messi when he is physically fit is a very important player as he has shown for many years and I hope he can repeat it this year,” said Koeman.

Koeman had last month said that he only wanted to keep players who wanted to be at the club. Following which he had a meeting with Messi, in which, according to an AFP report, reportedly took a hard line with the Argentinian.

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In the friendly match, all eyes will be on Messi and whether he has the motivation to reintegrate and find his best form again.

During his interview, Messi was particularly critical of Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu, whom he accused of going back on his word over an agreement to let him leave.

After Barcelona’s historic 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Bartomeu brought forward the presidential elections, which will be held on March 20 and 21.

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Despite the controversy over Messi and the dismal end to last season, Koeman insists the mood in the squad is good.

“It has been very positive,” he said. “The players are working very well, there is a lot of intensity in training.

“We have become more physical and now we have to work more on tactics but in all training sessions the players have shown a lot of encouragement, interest and intensity and that is very important because you play as you train.

“I am very happy with the work they have done these two weeks.”