Lionel Messi has reportedly left ‘furious’ with Barcelona as Ronald Koeman faces a tough task to appease the superstar.
Messi was left hugely frustrated and considering his future in the wake of their 8-2 Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich.
It was later reported that he wants to leave the club immediately after holding crisis talks with club chiefs just before the inevitable sacking of manager Quique Setien.
According to Argentinian newspaper Clarin, Messi has been left angry by information being leaked regarding his meeting with new manager Ronald Koeman this week.
Messi cut short his holiday to meet with the Dutchman and RAC1, a Catalan radio station who have consistently backed president Josep Maria Bartomeu, revealed he told the new manager he is seriously considering leaving the club.
(Image: REUTERS)
Details of the private conversation being made public have angered Messi, whilst fellow star Luis Suarez has spoken publicly of his frustration at a lack of direct contact from the top.
Suarez told AS : “There has been talk of some names that the president suggested, changes that could be made, but nobody has told me that they want to get rid of me.
“If that is what the club wants it would be nice if the director responsible for these decisions spoke directly with me.
“It’s better than leaking if I’m one of the players they want to leave. We’ll see what happens.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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“I want what’s best for the club as well and right now my intention is to stay on but if the club decide I’m no longer wanted, I have no problem talking to those that decide. Koeman? I haven’t spoken to him yet.”
Koeman now faces a serious task to appease Messi, with the board reportedly considering the possibility of selling him this summer.
The new manager addressed the situation for the first time this week, stating: ”He’s still got a contract and is still a Barcelona player. At this point I need to speak to him because he is the captain.
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“We need to work with him and speak with various players. We need to make some decisions but in Messi’s case I hope he stays with us.
“I don’t know if I have to convince Messi [to stay], whether it’s that or not. He is the best player in the world and the best player in the world you want in your team, you don’t want him playing against you.
“As a coach I would love to work with Messi because he wins matches. If he’s at the ability and level he has always shown I’d be more than happy for him to stay.”
