Lionel Messi is said to have "laughed compassionately" when former Barcelona boss Quique Setien told him where to go.
Following a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo that effectively ended their title challenge Messi is reported to have been highly critical of the tactics deployed by Setien, who was sacked following the 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in August.
Mundo Deportivo say that Messi told the 62-year-old to have more respect for players in the dressing room who had one more than him, which reportedly prompted Setien to say, "If you don't like what I said, you know where the door is."
The game in question was when Messi completely ignored Barcelona assistant coach Eder Sarabia during a drinks break.
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The six-time Ballon d'Or winner did his best impression of a rebellious 12-year-old by not listening whatsoever - blanking Sarabia on a couple of occasions as he took a drink and put it back.
News of Messi and Setien having words comes after the former Real Betis coach claimed Messi, despite being the best player in history in his eyes, was "difficult" to manage.
He likened the situation to NBA superstar Michael Jordan's stint at the Chicago Bulls.
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"I think Messi is the best of all time," Setien told El Pais.
"There have been other great players who have been great, but the continuity that this boy has had throughout the years has not been had by anyone.
"Leo is difficult to manage. Who am I to change him! If they have accepted him as he is for years and have not changed him.
"There's another facet beyond just the player and it's more difficult to manage. Much more difficult. It's something inherent in many athletes that can be seen in the Michael Jordan documentary ("The Last Dance"). You see things you don't expect.
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"He's very reserved but he makes you see the things that he wants. He doesn't talk much."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Lionel Messi
