Messi kicks as Barcelona sporting director, Abidal, slams players over performance

Lionel Messi has hit back at Barcelona sporting director, Eric Abidal, for questioning the performance of some of the club's players.

Abidal had blamed the sacking of former manager, Ernesto Valverde, on the lack of commitment shown by some players.

He told Spanish media outlet Diario Sport:

"Many players weren't satisfied or working hard and there was also an internal communication problem,'' the 40-year-old former defender said.

"The relationship between the coach and the dressing room has always been good but there are things as an ex-player that I could smell.

In response, Messi cautioned Abidal against plunging the team into internal crisis.

"When you talk about players, you have to give names because if not, it gives air to things which are not true."

"Sincerely, I don't like to do these things but I think that people have to be responsible for their jobs and own their decisions", Messi said.