Watch: Lionel Messi Takes The P*ss In Barcelona Training

Lionel Messi is pretty amazing to watch in games - but that isn't the only time he's doing ridiculous things with the ball.

Barcelona have been secretive with their training over the years, stemming back to Pep Guardiola's reign at the club and his preference for closed door sessions while preparing for games.

Credit: FC Barcelona

But, as is the case with most teams these days, Barca are opening up their training to the club media cameras - and that makes for some entertaining viewing when you've got Messi and his teammates in action.

While Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Andres Iniesta are among those in sessions, Messi is the one to watch. And Barcelona's YouTube channel caught some of his best stuff recently.

Image: PA

We've never really thought of how difficult it must be for some of his teammates having to defend against him on a regular basis. You've got to feel for them as clearly, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner doesn't take it easy in training and has no issue in rinsing his colleagues.

Earlier this month, a brilliant extract from Rio Ferdinand's autobiography, told by Thierry Henry, Messi's former teammate, was doing the rounds.

Image: PA

Angered by being fouled in training and not receiving a free-kick, he responded in the only Messi knows how to, as per Henry.

"So when the ball went back to his goalkeeper, he (Messi) ran back and demanded the ball. The goalkeeper rolled him the ball, and Messi then proceeded to run through the entire team and score in anger."

Messi has 27 goals in 36 games this season and will be looking to add to his tally in Barca's next game against Eibar in La Liga at the weekend. Then, after that it's the big one as the La Liga leaders travel to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea in the Champions League first leg.

Incredibly, the Argentine has never scored against Chelsea but as they say, records are there to be broken!

This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com - simple, shareable sport. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Topics: Football News, Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Football, Eibar, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, La Liga

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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