Rivaldo comes in support of Lionel Messi against Eric Abidal

Rivaldo is backing Lionel Messi in his dispute with Eric Abidal, although he is hoping that a resolution happens soon. According to the Brazilian, Messi “has every right in the world” to be angry with the ex-Barcelona man. 

Tensions are running high at Camp Nou following a heartbreaking and shocking week of results on the pitch and an apparent dispute between the club captain and the first-team technical secretary.

Messi posted an Instagram story that criticized Abidal after he accused some Barcelona players of not working hard during Ernesto Valverde’s final weeks as head coach. Messi felt that Abidal, a former team-mate at Barca, was dirtying the squad by making generalized comments about their efforts without naming any specific players.

The issue went on to cause problems as it led to suggestions that Messi could exercise an option to have his Barca contract canceled at the end of the season in order to leave on a free transfer. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola did, however, on Friday quashed any suggestions that he would try to tempt his former player to England.

Rivaldo believes a difficult few days for his old club, compounded by Barca’s elimination from the Copa Del Rey will be swiftly left behind if the team gets back to winning ways. The 1999 Ballon d’Or winner thinks Messi always jumps to the defense of his team-mates which is a very good thought.

Rivaldo, via Betfair, said," Leo Messi’s reaction last Wednesday in which, through his social pages, he criticized Eric Abidal, seems normal to me. Messi has every right in the world to be angry with Abidal over the way in which he complained about the professionalism of some players in training, especially when he did not mention any specific name.”

“That’s called the whole squad into question. It’s hard to talk about this situation from the outside, but Messi just tried to defend the group and himself, maintain his reputation and at the same time find out which players Abidal was referring to.”

Abidal also spoke about the possibility of signing Neymar and the fact that Messi has been keen for it to happen for a long time.

featured image credits-  La Tercera