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Lionel Messi lands in Manchester as Argentina train at the Etihad Stadium ahead of friendly against Italy

Lionel Messi has landed in Manchester ahead of Argentina's showdown friendly against Italy on Friday.

Messi touched down at Manchester Airport on Tuesday afternoon as Argentina's players trained at the Etihad Stadium.

The Barcelona star then changed into his kit and joined his national team-mates on the training pitch.

Lionel Messi trains with the Argentina ahead of their friendly against Italy on Friday
Lionel Messi trains with the Argentina ahead of their friendly against Italy on Friday
Messi took part in training at Manchester City's training ground on Tuesday afternoon
Messi took part in training at Manchester City's training ground on Tuesday afternoon
Messi will play in the friendlies against Italy and Spain, which comes next Tuesday
Messi will play in the friendlies against Italy and Spain, which comes next Tuesday

It is Argentina's first opportunity this year to start their preparation for the World Cup in Russia in the summer.