This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
Barcelona's first-team squad gathered for a dinner meeting on Wednesday evening, seeking to turn their fortunes around after a dismal start to the season.
With the team currently in fifth place in La Liga after six games, they have struggled to find consistency, losing to Athletic Bilbao and Granada, and drawing with Osasuna, despite significant investments in players like Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong, and Neto.
Although they managed to defeat Villarreal 2-1 on Tuesday, their Champions League campaign got off to a disappointing start with a 0-0 draw against Dortmund.
Barcelona's talisman Lionel Messi was the first to arrive at the dinner, held at the Sir Victor hotel in the city centre, and it is believed that manager Ernesto Valverde and the entire senior squad were in attendance.
Notably, MotoGP rider Marc Marquez was also spotted at the dinner, although it remains unclear whether he was invited or simply coincidentally present.
Barcelona's poor start to the season marks their worst beginning to a La Liga campaign in 25 years, with their away form being particularly concerning, as they have not won on the road since beating Alaves in April.
It remains to be seen whether the team bonding will have a positive impact on their form, with Barca set to face Getafe on Saturday and Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Barcelona was recently fined €300 (£265) by the Spanish Football Federation for allegedly negotiating a move for Griezmann from Atletico Madrid without permission, a fine the club plans to appeal.
