Barca starts training with reduced squad

European champions Barcelona says it will start preseason training on Monday without several of its South American players, including Lionel Messi, who are on international duty.

The team said that Messi, along with Argentina teammates Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Milito - plus Barcelona's Brazil internationals Daniel Alves and Adriano - will be given extra time to recover following the Copa America.

Argentina was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the South American tournament on Saturday, while Brazil faces Paraguay later Sunday.

Spain internationals Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol will be among a group of 18 players present at the start of Barcelona's preseason training.