Lionel Messi has touched back down in Barcelona after pulling out of the Argentina squad due to injury.
The talisman had made his much anticipated return to the national set-up ahead of a friendly with Venezuela, but his dream comeback was soon tainted.
A groin injury meant the 31-year-old had to make the journey back to Catalonia, and now faces a race to be fit in time for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash with Manchester United.
Messi’s dream return to the famous pale blue and white stripes was scuppered as Argentina fell to a 3-1 defeat.
Salomon Rondon’s strike in the sixth minute got things off to a bad start, before Jhon Murillo doubled the lead and Josef Martinez scored a third.
Lautaro Martinez pulled a goal back for Argentina but it wasn’t enough, though Messi was able to get through the full-match despite his injury concern.
Thankfully for the five-times Ballon d’Or winner, the trip back to Barcelona was only a short one, given Argentina’s clash had been held in Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
The playmaker was greeted at the airport by a mass of photographers, along with a handful of fans who were keen to get selfie snaps and his signature on their memorabilia.
After offering up his time to the waiting supporters, Messi hopped into a waiting car to be greeted by his wife Antonella Roccuzzo.
Argentina return to action on Tuesday when they face Morocco, though will have to look to bounce back to winning ways without Messi.
As for Barca, they next play on Saturday, March 30, when Catalan rivals Espanyol make the short trip to the Nou Camp.
The La Liga giants are yet to give a full diagnosis on Messi’s injury, though confirmed via their official website the player has a ‘minor knock.’