Barcelona, Dec 27 (EFE).– FC Barcelona on Sunday returned to its training routine here to prepare for its Dec. 30 matchup against Betis at Camp Nou, although Lionel Messi was absent because he was in Dubai to be honored as the world’s best soccer player at a 2015 gala.

The team enjoyed several days of vacation after defeating River Plate 3-0 for the Club World Cup championship in Japan, and although some players participated on Saturday in a friendly between Catalonia and Euskadi, which the latter won 1-0, the rest got back to work on Sunday afternoon under the direction of Luis Enrique.

At the closed-door session on Monday morning, however, the coach will have Messi back, fresh from being honored at the Globe Soccer Award ceremony in the Middle Eastern nation.

Barcelona also was the hands down favorite for the Team of the Year in 2015.

At the prize ceremony in Dubai, Messi said he was very happy to be selected as the top soccer star, going up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, adding that “The important thing is the group, but it’s always nice to receive these titles.” EFE

The Globe Soccer Awards recognize talent, ability, performance, and management in the context of professional football clubs. This recognition extends beyond players to include club managers, directors, and even sports agents.