Lionel Messi Admits Barcelona Dressing Room Unrest, Denies Argentina Quit Talk

Lionel Messi has acknowledged the atmosphere within Barcelona's dressing room has "deteriorated" in recent times due to continued speculation over the inner-happenings of the Catalan club.

The Argentinian star recently quashed rumours of his potential exit in an interview, saying the speculation is nothing more than "lies," per Barca TV (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC). He previously denied a spat with Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique, adding he has "no intention" of exiting Barca in favour of heading to the Premier League.

Messi has spoken again, however, to explain exactly why he felt such an interview was necessary. The 2014 Ballon d'Or runner-up suggests his team-mates have started to feel the effects of constant chatter, something he wanted to take a lead in combating.

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

"It was the moment to put a stop to all of this. I was keen to speak out because the atmosphere within the dressing room had deteriorated," said Messi, per ESPN (via AS). "Everyone was angry that things were being published that were not true."

He then provided further clarification, as noted in the aforementioned report:

"

We are used to inside information coming out in the press because news always gets leaked from Barca. But the situation was bad and none of us want to see false information or misunderstandings being published because it damages team spirit.

I wanted to talk, I’ve never come out to deny things in the past but I thought it was time that this must be stopped. I’m annoyed that what is being said is not the truth. 

"

David Ramos/Getty Images

Messi's increased media activity follows the sacking of sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and resignation of his assistant, former Barca captain Carles Puyol, as reported by Pete Jenson of The Independent.

Such departures add to a dramatic year for the side who were recently issued a 12-month transfer ban. With former president Sandro Rosell resigning after allegations he failed to disclose the full fee of Neymar's transfer, not to mention Messi and his father facing an ongoing tax-evasion investigation, difficult headlines have followed much of the club's football in recent times.

Respite was offered on the pitch during Barca's 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez put Diego Simeone's side to the sword in one of Barcelona's better performances of the season. A shadow continues to loom over the Camp Nou, however, highlighted by the usually quiet Messi speaking up on multiple occasions.

However, Alfredo Relano, editor of AS, suggests that Messi puts his personal interests ahead of the club. B/R noted his damning comments:

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague recently told B/R UK's Ryan Bailey that, while Messi may be closer to leaving than ever before, he's likely to remain with Barca:

Heat surrounding the player has also spilled into international territory, with claims Messi is willing to retire from representing Argentina.

He reiterated his desire to play for the 2014 World Cup finalists, per ESPN (via AS), saying: "It's not true that I want to quit the national side. I have never missed a call-up, I have always wanted to be with Argentina and I will always be there for the team. I don't have to give an explanation."

The best way Messi and his colleagues can overcome irritating reports is by putting together a run of faultless form. Despite only losing one of their last 14 matches in all competitions, per WhoScored.com, a defeat to Real Sociedad was the catalyst for the whirlwind of rumours following Messi and Barca since the turn of the year.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Enrique's men are currently one point behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid after playing one game more. Messi continues to take a leading role on and off of the pitch, ensuring he will once again be pivotal to any Barcelona success this season.

Even so, his decision to continue expressing himself in the media—an unusual tactic by his standards—certainly highlights the club's need to quickly sort out a plethora of internal matters.