Maybe this sort of comments are the reason why Messi's contract talks have taken so long to materialize.
Speaking after today's Copa del Rey draw, former center back Pere Gratacos -who coached Messi during his time at Barcelona B- played down Messi's influence inside the team, considering that his team-mates are as important as "La Pulga" in the team's style.
"Leo is one of our most important players, but he's not the only one. Without Iniesta, Pique, Suárez or Neymar, Leo wouldn't be as good as he is right now," Gratacos stated.
Messi practically owns every goal scoring record for Los Blaugranas, and will look to add one more this weekend with one more free kick goal.
Gratacos' comments come exactly when negotiations for a new contract between Messi and the club seem to be frozen. The Argentinean's father and agent, Jorge Messi, has been quoted to be "disappointed" by the treatment Los Blaugranas give to his son, especially considering the amount of success he's brought to the team.
With crucial games to be played and a five-point gap between them and league leader Real Madrid, Gratacos' comments could make things a bit more difficult for those who want Messi to keep playing for the Spanish giants.
