Ronald Koeman watched Lionel Messi score his 650th goal for Barcelona and urged the club to fire anyone found to have been responsible for leaking his contract details to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
The irate Barcelona coach said: ‘What has come out is intended to damage him. Messi deserves respect.
‘He has done so much for Spanish football. There are people out to hurt Barcelona and Messi. If it turns out to be someone on the inside then that is very bad and they should have no future at the club.’
The story that appeared in El Mundo on Sunday suggested the 550million euros Messi stands to earn from his current contract with Barcelona had threatened to ‘ruin’ the club.
Koeman said it had not wound up the 33-year-old Argentine, but he certainly looked extra motivated against Athletic Bilbao the club that beat Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, a game in which Messi was sent off.
He had the first chance of the game which Unai Simon did well to save but the Athletic keeper could do nothing about Messi’s free kick before the break.
Athletic had Iker Muniain laying down behind the wall and Yeray scrambling back to the goal line but nothing could stop the free-kick sailing into the top corner. It’s was his 49th career goal from a free-kick.
‘I don’t understand how Messi can be linked to the ruin of Barcelona,’ added Koeman.
‘For years now he has demonstrated his quality making this club great and helping them win important trophies.
‘He’s been the best in the world for some time now and he is still decisive.’
Barcelona did need a little bit more than Messi to pick up three points that game then above Real Madrid and into second place in the table 10 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
Jordi Alba put past his one goalkeeper four minutes after the restart but Oscar Minugueza overlapped down the right and crossed for Antoine Griezmann to get the winner. It was his 11th goal against Athletic club in 23 games.
‘We have to be united,’ said Koeman. ‘We need to put the things that have been published to one side but we know it is difficult. He is a great player. Without Leo we cannot aspire too much.’
Jutacikrty
921
am not a fan of Messi but I think koeman is ryt, the individual involve should be dealt with
ArmaniK
697
I see some people taking shots at Messi for his wages. lol Does a child spit's out sugary food?? They offered and he accepted, he didn't force their hands and if he did. They have every right to decline and yet here we are. So blame the board and not Messi. He's only been paid for his services. He didn't steal.
D10S_LM10
427
On your Face El Mundo..
FemiBalogun
271
I don't even understand all these, Messi deserved everything he received from Barcelona,those who complained should go and work harder to get to Messi level, when people knows your value the money will start flowing on your way.
GJGREGJO
16
lol !! fans say he is super loyal 😂
yes he is! Media won't post this!
Wepblnprsy
8
Actually we don't know what happens in their headquarters, it's possible, even probable that Messi have threatened them to leave the club if he's not paid the amount he desires. Still Messi's not at fault, it's only natural for a man to negotiate and push for a better deal for himself, I first would have done it if I had his talent. But saying that "They offered and he accepted" is a very childish thing to say. For what you said after that, I fully agree.
Man be totally deserved it he alone generates 300 millions a year so what's wromg here that he earned huge he deserved every penny