Reports of a potential feud between Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and his boss Quique Setien became stronger during their 4-1 away victory over Villarreal.
Messi was pictured having an heated exchange with Quique Setien during a water break in their clash with Villarreal tonight.
The players subsequently opted to join and listen to the instructions of the 33-year-old Argentine star instead of their manager, who appeared ostracised from the group.
Setien was left to watch on awkwardly as Messi gave his team-mates a briefing during the break. See the footage below:
According to reports from Spanish media outlet Marca, multiple players are not happy with Setien’s tactical approach after last week’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo, leading to the scene on the pitch.
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Messi was also rumoured to be headed for a potential exit from Catalonia due to his fallout with the coach.
Setien has however denied any possible speculation of a rift between him and the club’s greatest player.
He said prior to the game with Villarreal:
“I am not going to speculate on this because I have not heard him say anything about it and it is not my task.
“I see him well, Leo. The rest is speculation that I do not even enter into.
“That’s what you, the press, are there for. I see him training well, and [nothing] more.”
