Messi Involved In Brawl With Star Player During Training, Barca Boss Stepped In To Handle Situation

Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann reportedly were involved in a brawl during a recent training session. To avoid the situation turning ugly, Barcelona coach Quique Setien and a few players had to step in to stop the fight.

Griezmann, who nearly joined Manchester United last summer, is believed to be regretting being at Nou Camp and is losing his confidence. Even though he has scored 14 goals in 40 matches so far in his debut season for Barcelona, he has failed to impress his captain, who wants the Frenchman out by this summer.

According to the Spanish media outlet Diario Gol, the discomfort between the two players is "evident" now, especially after Messi did not pass the ball to Griezmann even once during Barcelona’s recent La Liga match against Leganes.

Considering Griezmann has not been consistent in delivering for Barcelona and now his clashes with Messi, he is opening the doors for Neymar and cutting short his career with the Catalans. The La Liga side has been desperate to bring either of Neymar or Lautaro Martinez this summer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan respectively.

Since their asking prices are quite high, Barcelona have proposed both sides a reduced transfer fee along with a Nou Camp player. If either of Inter Milan or PSG agree to Barcelona’s terms, the Spanish side now could be clear to let which player go.

Griezmann, who moved from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona for a transfer fee of $135 million, could fit well in the French side PSG but it is also understood that he is open to considering a move to other clubs as well.

Barcelona’s recent La Liga fixture against Seville ended at a goalless draw and that cost them their top position in the points table. Even though they are tied with Real Madrid on points, the latter are table leaders because of a better head to head record this season.

Messi and Co will have to win their next fixture, which is against Athletic Bilbao. The side will hope the likes of Messi, Griezmann, and Luis Suarez deliver because they have failed to win against these opponents in their last three La Liga outings.