Lionel Messi has criticised Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal for saying players were not working hard under former coach Ernesto Valverde.

Valverde was sacked in January and replaced by Quique Setien.

Abidal, a former team-mate of Messi, made the comments in an interview with Spanish newspaper Diario Sport.

But on Tuesday Messi, 32, responded: "When you talk about players, you have to give names because if not, it gives air to things which are not true."

Valverde was sacked when Barcelona were top of La Liga.

In the newspaper interview Abidal said: "Many players weren't satisfied or working hard and there was also an internal communication problem.

"The relationship between the coach and the dressing room has always been good but there are things as an ex-player that I could smell. I told the club what I thought and we reached a decision [on Valverde]."

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi responded on Instagram, writing: "Sincerely, I don't like to do these things but I think that people have to be responsible for their jobs and own their decisions.

"The players [are responsible] for what happens on the pitch and we are the first to admit when we haven't been good. The heads of the sports department have to take their responsibilities too and above all own the decisions they make."

In his interview with Diario Sport, Abidal also said he thought Messi was happy at the club and a new contract for the Argentine talisman was currently being negotiated.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51380481

messi can get anyone sack including president of d club

Abfinest007:
messi can get anyone sack including president of d club

I hope they will not turn this issue to another Messi vs Ronaldo thread!

In my opinion Abidal should have exercise a little more restraint, though he might be saying the honest truth






In other news
Happy Birthday to Cristiano Ronaldo

It's very annoying when you trying your best and it's not showing

Lol, Messi is there no need to work hard.

Messi now feels he owns Barca

He has no right to question the sporting director

Messi is just too full of himself

That why you will never see humble Cristiano Rinaldo in mess like this

Abidal dont start o abeg ..

Lol... This Midget should just shut up and move to another club if e sure for am.. When you decide to remain in a place for a long time, things like this are bound to happen. That's why Ronaldo is the real GOAT.. Nigga has tasted almost every league and has proven himself worthy in all... This one just stays in one place all the while and expects not to get criticised there sometimes?

when

Abidal went too far by going public...

Even juve sacked their coach for sarri.
No big deal.
If players are not doing well. it's the coach faults

i need a job pease

With the crap they're playing he shouldn't even be talking, wtf did he choose not to pass to griezman all through the last Match.
In other words abidal should watch it or he will get a lengthy sack letter very soon.

Abidal should respect himself

Intra-club war

6 times Ballon d'or winner no be joke ooooooooooo.

Even Ororo is still looking up either he will catch up with Messi.

Hmmmmmm
Sometimes I wonder weda na Messi get barca

Messi ma nigga.

Share for Messi, like for the other guy in Italy who has been winning instagrammon d'or while others are winning ballon d'or and whose name shall remain unmentioned for my own personal safety on this thread

#modified
Come on Messi fans, we can do it. Don't let them win...

Messi is very right here

Baba is right. You can't rub the blame on everyone. If you are accusing players you should be able to point out the players instead of using the word "many" , thereby making everyone look bad

Uncle Messi, please admit you've been lazy

he's trying to tell you to put in more effort like your big brother Ronaldo

Messi is having a poor season: 19 goals in 24 games.


Ronaldo is having a good season: 22 goals in 27 games.





Atewo for the GOAT.

Asides the laurels he has won with Barcelona FC,can somebody mention what else Messi has won so far in his playing career??