Antoine Griezmann is not even close yet to the likes of Luis Suarez or Neymar when it comes to cooperation with Leo Messi. What is the reason for the problems between the two forwards and are there any? Tribuna.com summarize and break down all the facts and rumours that we know about Messi and Griezmann's relationship so far.
Unlucky start
The beginning of the Messi-Griezmann story was tough - the duo were unable to start the season together. The Argentine was injured and played his first game for Barca only on September 17.
Leo explained the situation: "[We had] very little [contact with Griezmann] to be honest. Since I returned, I’ve been injured and training on my own. I’m not really in the group. [...] We’ll have the opportunity to share many things."
Media pressure
The media immediately branded the relationship between two stars 'complicated' and started asking both players about it.
"Neither Messi nor I talk a lot, so it's difficult to talk. But I've already prepared some mate for him, the relationship is going in the right direction," Antoine said back in October. "He has also been injured... It's complicated. We still have to improve the connection to the field."
"Obviously we have no problem," Messi told the annoying Madrid-based Diario AS. "There is a good relationship with everyone, we are united."
Leo then elaborated on the Frenchman's transfer in an interview with the Catalan RAC1: "It's a lie that we didn't want Griezmann. Last year I said he was one of the best and the best are always welcome. We have no doubt he will adapt because he has quality and he is intelligent."
Then, the Eibar game came where both Griezmann and Messi scored to seal an away win. The Frenchman commented on his rapport with Leo and Luis Suarez: "We need to understand each other even better, but that will come with minutes and matches."
Everything seemed to be going just fine but the level of Griezmann's performances started to suddenly decrease.
The French attacker failed to score in five consecutive games already even though he started four of them.
These stats are too vocal for the media to ignore the story of Messi and Griezmann's alleged antipathy. Both Catalan and Madrid papers' headlines were suggesting that something wasn't right between the two stars:
Some said Suarez's friendship with Messi might affect the situation. Gerard Pique had to clear the air: "With Luis, they are almost like brothers. Just because Messi doesn't get along [with Griezmann] like he does with Luis doesn't mean they get along badly."
This explanation was nowhere near enough for fans and media, especially after things were heated up again during the home match against Slavia.
Has Messi really ignored Griezmann?
Leo had a perfect chance to set up a goal-scoring opportunity for Griezmann but decided to shoot himself:
Did Leo actually think rationally when making the choice or simply acted instinctively? That's for fans to decide.
Either way, the episode above deserves to be mentioned just like these curious stats:
- Messi and Griezmann made only 18 passes to each other in four Champions League games.
- This is in stark contrast with Leo-Suarez duo, who shared the ball 32 times in three European games.
Many suggest the explanation is easier than it seems - Leo and Antoine are still studying each others' playing styles after not being able to play together during the pre-season.
What does Valverde say?
Ernesto Valverde might be the one to at least partially take responsibility. At the end of the day, it is the coach who should improve the connection between his players.
The manager remains calm though as he knows that even the best players need some time to adapt to a new team: "Griezmann has to get used to playing at Barca, as Neymar had to in his first year. Griezmann is used to a different kind of football [at Atletico]. [...] Here we play a different, short passing game. He still needs to mature into the way we play."
Happy end?
Antoine continues to experience difficulties on the field and, apparently, Messi sees that. The Argentine was trying to help his partner score by creating an almost perfect opportunity in the game against Celta...
... and showed his appreciation hugging him after the game:
We will follow the story closely bringing you all the updates from different sources.
TL;DR
• Messi and Griezmann always try to reduce the tension when asked about their relationship
• Griezmann experiences difficulties on the pitch that provoke speculations in the media.
• Messi has recently shown his support to the Frenchman.
What do you make of Messi and Griezmann's relationship? Is it just another media invention or is there something else to the narrative?
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