Mathieu confirms Messi-Luis Enrique training-ground row

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Mathieu confirms Messi-Luis Enrique training-ground row

Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has revealed that Lionel Messi and head coach Luis Enrique did have a training-ground argument earlier this month.

The prolific attacker has endured a difficult relationship with his coach ever since the latter's return to Camp Nou ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, but both have so far refused to discuss the matter publicly, with club president Josep Bartomeu repeatedly insisting there is no problem between the two.

However, Mathieu has revealed than an incident took place shortly after Messi had returned from his Christmas break, after which Luis Enrique benched the Argentine, for the 1-0 loss versus Real Sociedad.

"It happened when we got back from our holidays. Suddenly, Leo lost his temper after a foul that was not given in training," Mathieu toldRMC. "Things got tense and they exchanged some angry words.

"Luis Enrique then approached him in the dressing room afterwards to talk to him and that was the end of it."

Nevertheless, Mathieu was quick to stress that there has been no fallout and added that such incidents happen at every club.

"These kinds of things happen everywhere, but it's made out to be a major thing because we are Barcelona," the centre-half stated.
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"Things get blown out of proportion and that's the problem."
Irrespective of the ongoing speculation about his future at Barcelona, Messi has been a key figure for the Camp Nou side in 2014-15, scoring 31 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.