Lionel Messi’s rift with Luis Enrique was born out of a training tantrum, according to Barcelona’s Jeremy Mathieu.
Lionel Messi’s recent rift with Barcelona manager Luis Enrique was due to a “tantrum” the Argentine threw in training after not receiving a foul, says teammate Jeremy Mathieu.
Messi was dropped for last month’s defeat away to Real Sociedad, after which Luis Enrique refused to confirm or deny reports that there was ill feeling between himself and the superstar.
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The four time Ballon d’Or winner later went on Barca TV (via ESPN) to dispel the rumours, claiming that he and the Barcelona boss were on good terms. However, Mathieu states that the issue was as a result of a training ground incident where words were exchanged.
“It happened when we returned from holiday,” Mathieu told French radio station RMC. (via Daily Mail)
“Suddenly, because of a foul that didn’t get called [in training], Leo threw a tantrum. There was some friction, some things were said.
“Afterwards, the coach spoke to him in the dressing room and that was that. It happens at every club, but because this is Barcelona it’s big news. And that’s the problem.”
Messi has been in fine form since being dropped for that game against David Moyes’s side, scoring six times in his last three La Liga appearances.
He’s probably been the world’s best player in 2015 so far – so it’s clear there are no longstanding grudges between the pair.