Messi on Abidal's rift: I couldn't allow him to attack me like that

Leo Messi has finally shed some light on the infamous conflict with Eric Abidal.

Two weeks ago, Messi published an angry Instagram post some MINUTES after Abidal's interview with Diario Sport. The Frenchman suggested the players were to blame for Ernesto Valverde's sacking.

Messi explained to Mundo Deportivo why exactly he went public against his former teammate.

He said: "I don't know what he was thinking. I responded because I felt attacked... Too many things are already said about this dressing room, that we run things, we pick and sack coaches, bring in players, above all about me, that I have a lot of power and take decisions."

The Argentine added: "It annoyed me that someone at the club would put the players in the middle of a sacking like that, it seemed crazy to me. It's him who takes decisions and has to take responsibility. That's why I spoke out. I couldn't allow the sporting director to attack me in that way."