“He Just Has to Slap Him in the Face” – When Ex-Barcelona Star Told Antoine Griezmann How to Deal with ‘Half Autistic’ Lionel Messi
Barcelona has seen its fair share of internal conflicts and controversial moments over the years, but few were as shocking as the alleged tension between Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi. In 2020, former Barcelona player and Griezmann’s uncle, Emmanuel Lopes, made headlines when he suggested that the French forward needed to be more aggressive in dealing with Messi, even saying, “He just has to slap him in the face.” His remarks, along with those of Griezmann’s former advisor, further fueled speculation about an uneasy relationship between the two stars.
A Rocky Start for Griezmann at Barcelona
Antoine Griezmann arrived at Barcelona from Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2019 with high expectations. The Catalan giants had pursued him for years, and after finally securing his transfer for €120 million, fans expected him to form a lethal partnership with Messi and Luis Suárez. However, things did not go as smoothly as anticipated.
Almost immediately, rumors emerged that Messi was not entirely pleased with Griezmann’s signing. It was suggested that the Argentine had preferred Neymar to return instead. Reports also surfaced that Messi and Griezmann had little chemistry both on and off the pitch, leading to speculation that the Frenchman felt isolated in the dressing room.
Controversial Comments from Griezmann’s Camp
Amid growing concerns about Griezmann’s struggles at Barcelona, his uncle, Emmanuel Lopes, made a shocking statement. Speaking to the French media, he claimed that Messi had too much control over the team and that Griezmann had to stand up to him. He even went as far as to say that “he just has to slap him in the face” to assert himself.
Adding fuel to the fire, Griezmann’s former advisor, Éric Olhats, made even more controversial remarks. He accused Messi of being difficult to work with, stating that the Argentine had a “regime of terror” at Barcelona and that he had a cold, distant attitude towards Griezmann. In one of the most criticized parts of his statement, Olhats referred to Messi as “half autistic,” a comment that was widely condemned for being offensive and inappropriate.
Griezmann and Messi’s Response
Following these comments, Griezmann was quick to distance himself from the controversy. He publicly denied any conflict with Messi and emphasized that he respected the Barcelona legend. “I have nothing against Messi,” he stated, attempting to put an end to the rumors.
Messi, known for his reserved personality, did not directly respond to the remarks but showed visible frustration when asked about them by journalists. When arriving at Barcelona’s training facility, he told reporters, “I’m tired of always being blamed for everything that happens at this club.”
Did the Relationship Ever Improve?
Despite the controversy, Messi and Griezmann did have moments of good on-field chemistry during their time together. They combined for several goals and assists, but the partnership never reached the heights fans had hoped for. By the summer of 2021, Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain due to financial issues, effectively ending any further speculation about their relationship.
Lessons from the Controversy
The saga between Griezmann and Messi is a reminder of how complex locker room dynamics can be, especially at a club as massive as Barcelona. While media speculation and external opinions often distort the truth, the pressure on players to perform and integrate into existing hierarchies is immense. Regardless of any past tension, both players remain world-class professionals who have continued their careers at the highest level.
In the end, Messi’s legacy at Barcelona remains untarnished, while Griezmann has since returned to Atlético Madrid, where he has rediscovered his best form. As for the comments made by those around Griezmann, they serve as an example of how external voices can sometimes do more harm than good when it comes to a player’s reputation.