The situation you described suggests a strained relationship between Lionel Messi and David Villa at FC Barcelona, according to reports in the Spanish press. The tension seems to have escalated, particularly after a defeat against Celtic Glasgow in the Champions League.
In addition to on-field clashes, Mundo Deportivo, a Spanish newspaper, reported that Lionel Messi has requested coach Tito Vilanova to exclude David Villa from the playing XI. This alleged request indicates a significant discord between the Argentine and the Spanish World Cup champion. The report also mentions a previous altercation during a La Liga match against Granada, suggesting that the relationship between Messi and Villa has been deteriorating over time.
Internal conflicts within a team can have various impacts, affecting team morale and performance. If the reported tension between Messi and Villa is accurate, it adds an additional layer of complexity to the dynamics within FC Barcelona. Such situations often attract attention from both fans and the media, influencing the broader narrative surrounding the team’s performance and internal cohesion.