Lionel Messi in row with Barcelona team-mate report

That’s according to Spanish talk show El Chiringuito who say the Argentine superstar doesn’t want any distractions on the pitch.

The centre-back voted in the referendum for Catalan independence and has criticised police violence against voters.

He’s been taunted by Spanish fans before, but the barrage has picked up in the wake of the controversy.

Prior to referendum Pique explained: “Well backing the referendum, you can then vote yes or no [for independence]. Or you can spoil your paper but you vote.

“During many years people could not vote here and this is a right that should be defended by all means within the law possible.