FC Barcelona will be led by one of the best players in the world when they arrive in Dublin for their International Champions Cup clash with Celtic FC in Aviva Stadium on Saturday, July 30.
Barcelona had named a rather depleted squad for the trip, with many of the big star names expected to sit out the pre-season game as they geared up for another long campaign in La Liga and the Champions League.
It had been a particularly difficult summer for Messi too, after losing out with Argentina in the Copa America final, announcing his international retirement, and being convicted in a tax evasion case.
However, Messi has decided to cut his summer break short by a week, and has joined up with the team in advance of their friendly game in Dublin later this week.
He will spearhead the Barcelona squad, which also includes other notable stars such as Luis Suarez and Arda Turan, for the visit to Dublin.
Celtic kicked off their involvement in this year's tournament when hosting English Premier League champions Leicester City in Glasgow. After a 1-1 draw the game had to be decided by a penalty shoot-out, which the Foxes won.
It won't be the only International Champions Cup game that takes place in Ireland this summer either, as Brendan Rodgers' Celtic side will also take on Inter Milan in Thomond Park on Saturday, August 13.
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