Lionel Messi Is Somehow Getting Even Better

Lionel Messi is evolving into another beast entirely, it would appear, after the Argentinean genius' pre-season figures revealed to Barcelona staff that he is, somehow, getting even better after returning from his post-season break 'like a train'.

All Barcelona players are fitted with a GPS tracker during the summer friendlies and training sessions, with Messi producing his most impressive numbers to date during the Blaugrana's tour of the United States.

And yesterday, Messi's GPS device showed that the five time Ballon d'Or winner has smashed his previous records for number of kilometres run, acceleration, top speed, speed over 20 metres and aerobic capacity, among other categories in which each player is measured.

While the official data is kept confidential by the Catalan club, Sport have revealed from sources inside the club that Messi has returned to training in emphatic fashion, clearly enjoying a summer without the extra games associated with a major international tournament, like the previous three years.

One source told the Spanish daily, "He's happy, he's renewed his contract at Barcelona and he's turned up at pre-season like a train".

If Messi's pre-season figures are anything to go by, next season could be the five time Ballon d'Or winner's best yet. Frightening. Images: PA

Not only is the news of Messi's renwed and improved energy and speed levels bad news for defenders everywhere, but it also means his Barcelona teammates may have to up their own games in order to keep up with their number 10.

Ernesto Valverde's men opened their pre-season account with a 2-1 victory over Italian champions Juventus, two days ago and will take on Manchester United in Maryland, this Thursday before a 'friendly' El Clasico against Real Madrid in Miami three days later.

With more silverware than Mr.T to his name, it's hard to believe that, at 30 years of age, Messi could somehow be evolving into an even greater player.

Maybe everyone else should just jack it in, if that's the case.

(H/T Sport)

Topics: FC Barcelona, Football, Lionel Messi

Joe Baiamonte

Northerner. Assistant Editor of SPORTbible. Studied Journalism and Broadcasting in a portakabin on a car park of Salford University for three years. Believes football peaked with Serie A in the '90s and strong-arms pro wrestling references into as many articles as possible. Neymar once took 50 euros off me during a game of poker.

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