Lionel Messi hit out at journalist Gerard Romero for "lying" in the wake of his Ballon d'Or victory.
After winning his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or Messi took to social media and claimed that high-profile Barcelona journalist Gerard Romero lied about a meeting that took place between Messi and Joan Laporta.
On his Twitch account Romero had claimed that Barca president Laporta and Messi spoke at the end of the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Laporta is said to have thanked Messi for his words during the speech while they looked to organise a date for a Barcelona tribute to the player.
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However Messi took to Instagram on Tuesday, the day after winning the the prize, and shared a screenshot of Romero's claims accompanied with the caption “You are lying… yet again”.
Messi was awarded his eight Ballon d'Or at a ceremony in Paris after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year.
The pint-sized Argentina star won his award ahead of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, who scored 52 goals last term as his team claimed a Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble.
Moreover, France forward Kylian Mbappe - who became just the second man to score a World Cup final hat-trick in the 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Argentina - came third.
"It's nice to be here once more to enjoy this moment," Messi said. "To be able to win the World Cup and achieve my dream.
"I couldn't imagine having the career I've had and everything I've achieved, the fortune I've had to be part of the best team in history.
"All of them [Ballon d'Or awards] are special for different reasons."
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Topics: Football, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Ballon d'Or
Chris Byfield