Gerard Pique insists Barcelona players Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann have a perfectly normal relationship.
Earlier this month, new signing Griezmann conceded to finding it “difficult” to connect with Barcelona’s superstar as neither of them are naturally big talkers.
It had been rumoured Messi, who hoped for Neymar’s return to the club, objected to the club’s pursuit of the France international ahead of the Brazilian.
Lionel Messi has since branded that a “lie” and said he has no issues with Antoine Griezmann, a claim now supported by Pique.
The experienced defender told Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER both players are on “very good” terms.
“Here, we magnify everything very much,” said the 32-year-old former Spain defender.
“Leo and Grizi get along, the same as Leo and [Ousmane] Dembele get along, or Leo with Pedro or [David] Villa. It’s good. With Luis [Suarez and Messi], they are almost like brothers.
“Just because he doesn’t get along [with Griezmann] like he does with Luis doesn’t mean they get along badly.”
Messi and Suarez starred for Barca in their last outing on Tuesday, a comprehensive 5-1 win over Real Valladolid.
Barcelona sit top of La Liga, a point ahead of Real Madrid, but there will no showdown between the bitter rivals until December 18 after the postponement of the campaign’s first Clasico.
The decision to move the game, originally scheduled to be played at Barca’s homeground Camp Nou on October 26, was made amid civil unrest and protests in Catalonia.
