Neymar has released messages between himself and PSG teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma, after a report emerged claiming the pair had to be separated on Wednesday night.
On what was yet another traumatic Champions League night for PSG, who lost 3-2 to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu after previously leading 2-0 on aggregate, questions were once again asked of the French side's personnel.
According to many observers, one of the main culprits for the Last 16 defeat was Donnarumma, who was chiefly at fault for Benzema's - and Real Madrid's - opening goal.
His hesitancy to clear the ball eventually allowed Benzema to fire home from close range, which inspired Los Blancos to a truly historic comeback, right at a time when all hope seemed lost for the hosts.
This mistake, Marca alleges, is what made Neymar so irate in the changing room following the game. The Italian stopper could hardly be blamed for the following two goals that eventually cost PSG, but according to the Spanish outlet, it was Donnarumma that Neymar confronted in the aftermath.
However, following the publication of the report, the 30-year-old took to Instagram to dispute the claim that he and Donnarumma had to be physically separated.
In a series of WhatsApp messages, Neymar appears to offer support and consolation to his crestfallen teammate.
Donnarumma wrote: "Sorry about yesterday. This information is unacceptable."
To which Neymar replied: "My friend! Don't worry, it can happen in football. We're a team and we're with you. You're very young and you will win a lot of titles. Get up and let's move on! Friendship."
The Brazilian also called out the journalists who claimed that he and Donnarumma were involved in a dressing room fracas on his Instagram story.
He added: "There was no fight in the locker room!!! Incompetent journalists".With hopes of winning the elusive Champions League trophy now over for another season, the Parisians will turn their attention to Ligue 1, and the challenge of Bordeaux on Sunday evening.Donnarumma may have to work his way back into Mauricio Pochettino's good books, as former Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas will likely be recalled this weekend.
PSG currently lead Ligue 1 by 13 points, with the impressive Nice, who beat them last weekend, sitting in second place.
Topics: Paris Saint-German, Barcelona, Neymar, Mauricio Pochettino, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Karim Benzema, Champions League, Bernabeu
Tom Fenton