Did Lionel Messi Really Snub Antoine Griezmann During Joan Gamper Trophy Match?

Barcelona’s team captain Lionel Messi reportedly snubbed his new teammate, Antoine Griezmann, during the Joan Gamper Trophy match.

Messi missed the action during Sunday's Joan Gamper Trophy match. However, the soccer icon attended Camp Nou and watched his team from the sidelines.

During the game, Barcelona’s rising star, Griezmann, had a good start before being substituted in the second half. When Griezmann left the field, an unexpected moment at the team’s bench was caught by a camera.

The Frenchman shook hands with various coaches as he approached the bench. But unfortunately, he didn't get anything back from Messi, who appeared to be staring into the distance, Sport Bible reported.

In the footage, it looked like Messi left Griezmann hanging when he tried to give the captain a handshake. But in a second look, it appears that Messi did not really snub the young soccer player. Messi could be seen giving Griezmann a small tap on his leg, which seemed to be the captain’s own way of acknowledging the Frenchman.

Despite the small bench incident, Griezmann is still overwhelmed with the idea that he is teaming up with Messi. In fact, Griezmann revealed that he thinks about it all the time even before going to bed.

"He's the best. When he talks, the whole world listens. He knows this. I want to meet him, get to know him, watch him in training, play alongside him, provide assists. I've thought about it when I'm in bed, at training, and watching videos,” Griezmann said.

Griezmann then continued by stating that their team-up would really go well.

"You make the 'film' in your head and I know it'll go well. It'll be really nice," Griezmann said.

Last month, Griezmann already expressed his adoration towards Messi’s legacy. He said that Messi is like LeBron James for basketball and will be looked up to by his son and future grandsons.

"Messi will be a legend for my son and my son's children. He's like LeBron James for basketball,” Griezmann said.

Messi on the other hand, delivered a compelling pre-season speech and addressed the club’s fans coming into 2019-20 term.

"It's hard to say something after last season, but I don't regret anything. But I have no doubt that together we are going to fight again for everything. We won eight League titles in 11 years. We do not give it the value it deserves but over the years we will see how difficult it was,” Messi noted.

In the end, the captain moved the fans by reminding them that the club will “fight for everything” this year as it always does.

"This club fights for everything and this year will be no different. We have renewed dreams. Visca Barca and Visca Catalunya!,” Messi pointed.