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Lionel Messi comment cast doubt over Antoine Griezmann signing

By Ernesto Hernandez

TOPSHOT - France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L) vies with Argentina's forward Lionel Messi during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between France and Argentina at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 30, 2018. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L) vies with Argentina's forward Lionel Messi during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between France and Argentina at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 30, 2018. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Lionel Messi spoke prior to the Copa del Rey final and was asked about Antoine Griezmann joining Barcelona.

Lionel Messi rarely speaks in pregame press conferences. But when he speaks, his words carry weight. Such was the case this time when the Argentine was asked about Antoine Griezmann potentially signing for the Catalan side.

According to Sport, when asked about Griezmann, Messi responded, “We will not give our opinion.”

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With that simple sentence, Messi all but put an end to that speculation. The degree of his influence at Barcelona is often overstated by many but this appears to be an occasion where his opinion, or lack thereof, says all anyone needs to know about the Frenchman arriving at Barcelona.

Messi’s refusal to give his opinion gives credence to reports that the Barcelona locker room vetoed the arrival of Griezmann and that he is not well-liked given what happened last summer when they all thought he was joining them. We all know he released a documentary to express that he was staying at Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine’s comments were also a complete 180 of what he and his teammates were saying amidst these same rumors last season. Diario Sport even wrote an article of what was said at that time.

On that occasion, Messi said, “I don’t know if signing him is a priority or not but I am in agreement that to win the Champions League, as we all desire, to win it again we need the best players. Griezmann is one of them and if the club bring him in, great.”

Luis Suarez added, “A player of his quality is always welcome. He’s not coming to take anyone’s place, but with the ambition to win big things.”

Compare what Messi said then to what he said now and it tells someone all they need to know about how Griezmann may be perceived now. It is not very welcoming. It may also be a reason as to why they all still seem to back Philippe Coutinho.

As opposed to Griezmann, Coutinho made no secret that he wanted to play at Barcelona and did all he could to force a move. Despite his struggles, that he was adamant about wanting to join Barcelona and forcing a move, shows the likes of Messi and Suarez his commitment and that he did not tease or relent on his desire for a move.

His comments also come after a supposed meeting between Messi and Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu. One has to assumed that besides discussing about their goals for next season, potential signings must have come up with Bartomeu wanting to know Messi’s opinion on Griezmann.

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Ultimately, it is not simply that he chose not to give an opinion, it was the way he said it. Often, players usually say that a player rumored to join their club is a good player and someone that would help the team if he is signed. His ‘no comment’ response does not bode well for Griezmann. As mentioned before, when Messi talks, especially at Barcelona, people listen.

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