Lionel Messi just keeps getting better and better.

Okay, so Cristiano Ronaldo has caught up with the Argentinean in recent years but that has been no detriment to the performances of the Barcelona man. It is, of course, brilliantly unique to have two such talented players featuring in the same era.

If nothing else, it inspires the heated annual debate as to who will scoop the latest Ballon d’Or. And with the score currently at 5-4 to Messi, it’s interesting to imagine who will bow out of the sport with the most.

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As far as Messi is concerned, he has come into this summer’s pre-season with the bit between his teeth. In fact, it seems the mercurial forward is determined to ensure 2017-18 is his campaign.

With no Copa America or World Cup competitions sapping his fitness, the 30-year-old is said to have returned to training “like a storm.” Just two games into Barcelona’s pre-season campaign, too, and he is showing fine match form.

In fact, against Juventus on Saturday, Sport reported that Messi ‘destroyed’ the GPS he was wearing with unheard-of statistics. Sources told the Catalan outlet that “they are Messi’s best in pre-season.”

That means that in terms of kilometres run, acceleration, top speed, speed over 20 metres, aerobic capacity and many other factors, Messi is reaching new levels.

Trust him to take that into his second pre-season showing against Manchester United, then. However, his preparation for the game was almost as impressive and notable as his performance in the clash itself.

Videos have emerged of the 30-year-old’s form in training ahead of the LA meeting with Jose Mourinho’s men. Take a look at this inspired goal in a match drill:

Messi controls the ball superbly with his chest, ghosts the defender and scores through the legs of the ‘keeper with his weak foot. Inspired stuff.

His incredible preparation didn’t end there, though, and his performance in the pre-match warm-up was just as impressive. Watch below:

Now as far as top corner goes, that’s about as top corner as you can get. It’s clear to see that Messi takes free-kick drills rather seriously and, had it been scored in a match, it would have go down as one of his greatest ever strikes.

The clips only serve to confirm suspicions that the Argentinean is on course for a magnificent season; it’s certainly an exciting prospect. And with Messi popping up as provider for Neymar’s winner, United fans can certainly vouch for it.

Who do you think will win the 2017 Ballon d'Or - Messi or Ronaldo? Let us know by leaving a comment below.