Lionel Messi has expressed his frustration at Barcelona’s current state of turmoil, saying he is ‘tired’ of being constantly labeled a ‘problem’ at the club.
The Catalan giants find themselves in financial trouble following the coronavirus pandemic, with Messi’s hefty pay packet contributing to the club’s eye-watering wage bill.
Messi tried to force a move away from Barcelona in the summer / Eric Alonso/Getty Images
The Argentine was also criticized by Antoine Griezmann’s former agent Erik Olhets, who appeared to blame Messi for the French forward’s slow start to life at Barcelona.
Olhats told France Football [via Mundo Deportivo]: “Antoine arrives at a club with serious problems where Messi controls everything. He is both emperor and king and he does not take kindly to Anton’s arrival.
“Messi’s behavior has been deplorable, he’s made it felt. I’ve always heard Antoine say he had no problem with Messi, but never more than that. It’s a reign of terror. Either way. You’re either with him or against him.”
Messi returned from international duty on Wednesday – after scoring a record 85th win with Argentina – and told reporters at the airport [via Football Espana]:”I’m tired of always being a problem for everything at the club.”
‼️⚽️ Leo Messi asked about Antoine Griezmann’s uncle’s statements upon his arrival at Barcelona
?️ “I’m a bit tired of everything being a problem at the club” pic.twitter.com/tiaVi81D4D
— The Stringer (@ellarguero) November 18, 2020
The 33-year-old tried to force a move away from the club during the 2020 transfer window, but was unable to do so due to a €700m buyout clause.
However, his contract expires in the summer of 2021, and although Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has consistently insisted he is keen for the player to stay, former president Josep Maria Bartomeu – with whom Messi does not see eye to eye Seen – departed, their future remains unclear.
There were reports that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner could move to PSG in the summer, but have since been ruled out by his father and agent Jorge.