Lionel Messi and Setien involved in awkward exchange despite Barcelona's 4-1 away win

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi appeared to have ar awkward encounter with manr Quique Setien during ir LaLiga clash against Villarreal on Sunday night. Despite Barcelona's 4-1 win against Yellow Submarine, Lionel Messi and Quique Setien failed to see eye-to-eye during cooling break in first half. A number of Barcelona stars opted to gar around Lionel Messi during break while manr Quique Setien appeared to be ostracised from group. 

ALSO READ: Liverpool Makes Triumphant Anfield Return As English Champ

Villarreal vs Barcelona highlights: Lionel Messi and Quique Setien awkward encounter

Barcelona took lead in third minute of game when Villarreal defender Pau Torres scored an unfortunate own goal. Gerard More n equalised for hosts 10 minutes later before Luis Suarez scored a sublime goal from a Lionel Messi assist to put visitors back in front. However, during first half's cooling break, re was a moment of nervousness with Lionel Messi and Quique Setien on touchline. 

ALSO READ: City Loses 1-0 At Southampton After Moment Of Magic By Adams

As Lionel Messi walked towards dugout, Argentine appeared to avoid eye-contact with manr Quique Setien. rest of Barcelona players n gared around Lionel Messi, who gave his teammates instructions as Quique Setien watched on. cameras caught Setien excluded from group conversation before team ran out onto pitch again.

ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho Hits Out At Arsenal, Says 'y Don't Have Much To Celebrate' Amid Struggles

Villarreal vs Barcelona highlights: LaLiga table

Antoine Griezmann added a third for Barcelona just before half-time whistle. Ansu Fati came off bench to put game beyond reach of Villarreal in closing sts of game. 4-1 win put Barcelona back to within four points of leaders Real Madrid on LaLiga table. Here are Villarreal vs Barcelona highlights:

Barcelona news: Rift between players and coaches 

Prior to awkward encounter between Messi at El Madrigal, six-time Ballon d'Or winner spotted igring instructions from Setien's assistant coach Eder Sarabia when Barcelona drew 2-2 against Celta Vigo last Saturday. Following draw against Celta Vigo, reports claimed that re was a feud between players and coaches in dressing room. Recent reports have stated that Lionel Messi is stalling a contract extension with Barcelona amid turmoil at club.

ALSO READ: Fans Lay Into Man City After Pep Guardiola's Side Suffer More Defeats Than Man United

Im Credits - AP / Barcelona Twitter