Lionel Messi could RUIN Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona transfer - this is why

Posted Saturday, May 11, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Lionel Messi could RUIN Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona transfer - this is why
Barcelona are ready to make another bold bid for Antoine Griezmann (Pic: Getty)

BARCELONA are set to launch another bid for Antoine Griezmann this summer - but Lionel Messi may scupper the move.

The Catalan outfit are preparing an overhaul of their squad after suffering another humiliating Champions League exit this week.

And Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo today report that club have given the 'green light' for yet another attempt to lure Griezmann to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona tried and failed to sign the Frenchman last summer before he announced his Atletico stay with a social media video.

But will they be more successful this time around?

History suggests while Messi is at the club, Griezmann may never agree to joining.

Speaking last year, the former Real Sociedad star admitted it was hard turning down the La Liga giants.

But added that the thought of being Messi's backup may have played a part in his decision to turn Barcelona down.

"Was it hard to refuse Barca? It was very difficult," Griezmann told Canal+ in 2018.

"You have Barca who wants you, who calls you, who sends messages. But then there is the club where you are, where you are an important player and where they build a project around you. (And) subconsciously, being Messi's lieutenant may have played a part.

"But my teammates and people at the club (Atleti) did everything, they came to talk to me, they increased my salary. They did everything to show that it was my home and that I shouldn't leave.

"It was really complicated times, especially for my wife, where I woke her up at 3am to talk about it!"

Messi is having a tough time this week after his side were knocked out in humiliating circumstances at Anfield.

The Argentinian netted a brace during the first-leg of the tie at the Nou Camp.

But Messi was helpless as Liverpool produced a stunning comeback.