Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann get on very well despite claims to the contrary, according to former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
Griezmann has struggled for consistent form since his €120million move from Atletico Madrid last year and some have suggested his incompatibility with Messi is part of the problem.
Messi came off the bench to score twice and set up another, as well as play a key part in a goal for Griezmann, as Barca beat Real Betis 5-2 in LaLiga last week.
Griezmann, who earlier missed a penalty, scored only his second goal in seven league matches after Messi dummied Jordi Alba s cross into his path.
The pair only exchanged four passes throughout, however, as Messi mostly combined with Sergi Roberto (15 passes) and Sergio Busquets (19 passes) in an impressive cameo.
In an interview with France Football, Griezmann s former advisor, Eric Olhats, went as far as suggesting Messi has actively avoided passing to the France forward, accusing the Argentine of having a deplorable attitude and ruling the dressing room with a reign of terror .
Rakitic, though, believes any such talk will disappear once each player hits a run of goalscoring form.
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann)
From what I saw, they got along very well, he told Canal Sur Radio. I got on wonderfully with Antoine and with Leo.
I don t know what there is there. The two of them drink mate and spend a lot of time together in the dressing room.
If they both start scoring goals, it won t be talked about any more. It s the demand of great teams.
I m not worried because they re two amazing guys. I wish them all the best.
Rakitic rejoined Sevilla during the transfer window after six seasons at Camp Nou, in which he won 13 major trophies, including four LaLiga titles, four Copas del Rey and one Champions League.
The 32-year-old has featured in all seven of Sevilla s league games in 2020-21 but still feels he needs time to readjust to his old surroundings.
I m going to be judged by what I do on the pitch. I need a little time. It s not the same as Barca; it s a different way of playing, he said.
We re very competitive and you always want to play. I came here with great enthusiasm to give my very best. I have to rediscover my rhythm, understand my team-mates and have them understand me.
