Messi’s relation with Bartomeu “not good”, says Menotti

Argentina's World-Cup winning coach Cesar Luis Menotti says that Lionel Messi's relationship with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is strained.

Bartomeu was reportedly attempting to set up a meeting with Messi and conspicuously skipped yesterday's presentation for new signing Francisco Trincao -- appearing only in a one-minute clip on social media platforms to welcome him.

"I know from close people that his relationship with the club president is not good. It seems to be a general discomfort. I don't know why, it's a subject that doesn't concern me. It gives the impression that in the first place, Messi does not need the president and the president does not need Messi."

Menotti, who lifted the 1978 World Cup with La Albiceleste, also said Barcelona changing coaches so frequently was the problem.

"You can lose because someone plays better than you. The problem in Barcelona is that it cannot find a way to function. The changes of coaches… it is rare that that so many coaches have changed in recent times. The arrival of Koeman, who knows Barcelona and was champion, was going to bring peace of mind but for him not having Messi will be a problem.

"There is no doubt what Messi can contribute to a football team. But Messi, like any great player, needs a team. Football is going through an uncomfortable situation due to the virus. Uncomfortable for everyone. I hope the National Team can train by rehearsing. I wish Messi was training with the Argentine National Team but he can't. Hopefully this situation will be resolved as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the mayor of Barcelona expressed her wish that "everything possible be done so that Messi remains at Barça".

"We must respect the internal work of the club that is organised as it considers appropriate but I think I express a collective sentiment if I say that we hope that everything possible is done so that Messi can continue," Ada Colau said at a press conference. "Messi is the best player in the world, he has built himself at Barca and is almost inseparable from Barca.

"Barca is a team that identifies our city and for us a source of pride, one of the main ambassadors and that is why we always wish them the best," she said.