With LaLiga football set to return this month, FC Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has claimed the beautiful game will never be the same again.
Spanish top-flight football will officially return on 11 June, after a forced break due to the coronavirus outbreak across the country since March.
Speaking in a recent interview, Messi claimed the sport will be a very different one post-COVID-19, although he recognises that so will life in general.
"I don't think football will ever be the same," the Argentine told El Pais.
"But beyond football, I don't think life, in general, will ever be the same, either.
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"All of us that have experienced this situation will remember what happened in one way or another.
"In my case, it's with a feeling of sorrow and frustration for those that have suffered the most due to the loss of loved ones.
"I am sure that football and sport, in general, will be affected. Financially, because there are companies linked with the world of sport that will maybe experience some difficulties because of the coronavirus.
"But also professionally, because with the return to training and competing, what was normal before now is going to be different.
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"It will be a strange situation for us as athletes but also for anyone that has to change their usual work dynamic."
Following an announcement by the league on Saturday, teams in Spain will be able to hold full training sessions as of today.
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Barca's first game back will be away at Mallorca on 13 June.
Are you excited to see how football adapts to life after a global pandemic? Let us know in the comments section below.
