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Published 10:54 IST, November 20th 2020

Barcelona fans INTIMIDATE Griezmann by surrounding his car, demand 'respect' for Messi

Barcelona fans surrounded Antoine Griezmann's car while intimidating the Frenchman and demanding respect for club icon Lionel Messi amid the recent conflict.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
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The conflict between Barcelona superstars Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann took another turn after close associates of the two slammed the others for the struggling relationship between the pair. Griezmann's uncle's, as well as his former agent's criticism of the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, wasn't received by the Barcelona captain, who claimed he was tired of being the problem at the club. Now, Barcelona fans, seemingly frustrated with the Frenchman, have demanded that he respect Messi.

Also Read | Lionel Messi transfer: Man City plot January move for Barcelona icon after failed summer effort

Messi Griezmann fight out in the open

Emmanuel Lopes, Griezmann's uncle, while speaking in a documentary on French channel M6, had stated that he expected his nephew to struggle to succeed for six months but not for a year. He also claimed he was aware of the mishappenings in the dressing room with Messi making it difficult for the former Atletico Madrid man to survive at the Camp Nou. 

Earlier, Griezmann's former advisor and agent Eric Olhats also voiced similar concerns, slamming the 33-year-old. He described Messi as the "emperor" as well as "the sole monarch" at the Camp Nou outfit. "Messi controls everything and did not do well with Griezmann's arrival," he claimed.

Also Read | Pique SLAMS Barcelona over Lionel Messi transfer saga, insists team are together against pay cut

Barcelona fans demand Griezmann respect Messi

Following the criticism, Messi decided to respond to the reported conflict. While speaking to a group of media personnel while departing the Barcelona airport after the international break, the Argentine said: "The truth is that I am tired of always being the problem of everything regarding the club." Interestingly, Messi's words strengthened rumours of his move to Man City next summer.

Messi's words seem to have struck a chord with the Catalan faithful. A group of Barcelona fans surrounded Griezmann's car in an attempt to intimidate him as he exited the club's training facility on Thursday, following his return from the French national team. They also demanded that he respect Messi.

Also Read | Messi to Man City? Kevin De Bruyne unfazed by Barcelona star's potential move to Etihad

Barcelona presidential frontrunner criticises Griezmann's signing

This display from Barcelona fans come a day after presidential frontrunner Victor Font criticised the France international's signing. Speaking to Cadena Cope, Font described Griezmann's signing as a mistake, seemingly infuriating the 29-year-old. Griezmann was reportedly upset with the comment and reiterated his decent relationship with Lionel Messi. 

Also Read | Man City fans react to Pep Guardiola's contract extension, Messi rumours intensify

Image courtesy: Barcelona Instagram

Updated 10:54 IST, November 20th 2020

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