Ronald Koeman 'has made big impression on Lionel Messi'

Lionel Messi has reportedly been impressed by Ronald Koeman's work at Barcelona since the Dutchman replaced Quique Setien as head coach over the summer.

Barca looked set to lose Messi when the Argentine expressed a desire to leave, but the Catalan giants refused to allow him to depart on a free transfer and Messi ultimately changed his mind.

The South American will be free to leave Camp Nou next summer, but according to Sport, new head coach Koeman has made a big impression on the club's star player.

The report claims that a number of the other senior players have also been pleased with the 57-year-old's work on the training ground in the early stages of his tenure.

Barca have made a strong start to their 2020-21 La Liga campaign, picking up seven points from their three matches against Villarreal, Celta Vigo and Sevilla.

Messi has scored once and provided two assists in three league outings this term.