Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez modeled his training on Lionel Messi's direct free-kick against Liverpool in 2019, yielding results with his goal against Barca in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Barca is likely to be without winger Raphinha for eight matches, including three crucial encounters against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and La Liga.
The former Barcelona coach revealed Lionel Messi wanted to rejoin the club in 2023, but Joan Laporta allegedly prevented it, fearing his power would be undermined. This contradicts Xavi's own statements at the time.