Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique Casino Gossip Draws Sharp Reaction from Luis Enrique

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has played down concerns after Blaugrana stars Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique were pictured outside a casino after midnight on Sunday evening.

The pair were joined by former team-mate and current Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas at the venue in Catalonia, just hours before the Barca players were due to fly to England for their upcoming Champions League clash with Manchester City. But Enrique seemed unflustered by the incident when quizzed by an English journalist.

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“This guy must work for one of the Spanish channels!” said the manager when asked had his players broken any rules, per ESPN. “I concentrate on football, not stuff outside it. No gossip. I am not interested.”

Here’s a look at the pictures of the trio, per MailOnline Sport:

Barcelona had their stellar recent form ended last weekend after a shock defeat at home to Malaga and such is the hyperbolic nature of reaction when it comes to the Catalan club, a loss at the Etihad Stadium could inexplicably plunge this team into crisis mode.

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With that in mind—while the players are obviously entitled to let off some steam—these images haven’t emerged at an ideal time for Enrique. After all, if Barcelona do lose against City it’ll be another stick to beat him and the players with. But Pique has also brushed off any concerns regarding their late-night soire.

“It is my private life,” said the 28-year-old defender, per ESPN. “We just had a nice time there.”

Indeed, as noted by football writer Simon Hughes, leaving somewhere at midnight is actually quite early for Spanish residents:

According to Ian Herbert of the Independent , Messi’s reasoning for visiting the casino was to see Fabregas, who has a property in the complex. But this incident will do little to enhance what is apparently something of a strained relationship between the Argentina star and Enrique, per Herbert’s piece.

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Ultimately, this is an incident that will be forgotten quickly if Barcelona return to winning ways at the Etihad. Of course, it’s proved to be an unwelcome distraction on the cusp of the fixture but don’t expect to see anything other than an effervescent Blaugrana performance against City, topped off by a sprinkling of Messi magic.