There has been plenty of chatter over the years regarding rifts in the relationship between Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique.
Both cornerstones of Barcelona’s success in their own way, and synonymous with the club’s identity, it was always puzzling to read or hear stories that the pair do not get along well with each other.
All the drama flared up once again in the media, around the time of Messi’s controversial departure from Barcelona, which was followed by wage cuts across the squad, with Pique accepting a massive reduction to set an example.
However, a book called ‘Glory to Hell’ (h/t Albiceleste Talk on Twitter), written by reputed journalists like Sique Rodriguez, Sergi Escudero and Adria Soldevila has revealed that there is animosity between the pair after all.
The book explores all the events and problems surrounding the controversial presidential tenure of Josep Maria Bartomeu at Barcelona.
It is well known by now that the shady dealings of the ex-president created a ripple effect that triggered a massive financial crisis, and as a consequence forced Messi’s departure even after Joan Laporta came in and took over to fix the mess.
And the book also states that Pique’s salary reduction was not well-received by Messi. He reportedly felt angered that Pique did not agree to it before the Argentine had to leave due to the hefty wage bill violating the financial fair play regulations.
There is fresh talk of even more conflict considering the leaked audio recordings where Pique used Messi’s name for gain in the Supercup dealings with Saudi Arabia.
In the past, there have been multiple instances where Pique and Messi have been painted as enemies. Whether there is any substance to this talk remains unknown, because it may well be inciting unnecessary controversy.
However, in football, nothing can be ruled out, especially with all the bitterness that Bartomeu’s tenure left behind at Barcelona.
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