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Banned from Barcelona training but cocktails still flowing for Messi and buddy Suarez

While Barcelona are still stewing over the current state of affairs involving their out-of-contract star Lionel Messi, the man himself doesn’t seem to be in the least perturbed by the situation, as can be seen from the pictures he posted while on holiday with his best buddy Luis Suarez in Ibiza.

Messi gladly posted a picture of himself with Luis Suarez at an Ibiza beach resort as reports emerged that he is ‘banned’ from Barcelona pre-season training. The Argentine has been a free agent relishing his Bosman status since July 1 but is expected to sign fresh terms on a new deal before the start of the La Liga season.

Reports last month indicated that Messi was ready to settle for a 50 percent pay cut and sign a new five-year deal with Barcelona.

Fresh from winning the Copa America with Argentina, Messi uploaded a picture to Instagram of himself and former team-mate Luis Suarez enjoying a couple of cocktails beside a pool in Ibiza.

Messi, sporting a pair of orange shorts with starfishes on, looked pleased as Punch as next to the grinning Uruguayan, himself wearing a pair of Mickey Mouse shorts.

It remains unclear when a new deal will be formally announced by the Catalan club as Messi is currently on an extended break after his brilliant exploits in the Copa America.

Messi captained Argentina to the title in South America as they beat hosts Brazil 1-0 in the Maracana.

Remarkably, it was the forward’s first international trophy and Argentina’s first Copa America triumph since 1993.