Messi to be back at training on January 2

Messi will be able to enjoy a few more days holiday after Pep Guardiola gave him permission to return to Barça on Monday, January 2, according to FC Barcelona News.

So, Barca's number 10 will not return on December 29, the day the squad is due to resume training after the Christmas break.

Last Monday, when Barça came home after the World Club Championships, Messi and the rest of the South American players, plus Abidal and Keita, began their Christmas break.