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LIONEL MESSI was captured ignoring Barcelona's No2 as the row between players and coaches raged on at the weekend.

Barcelona's mounting struggles were highlighted again on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo, with Real Madrid now two points clear of their rivals.

 Lionel Messi was captured ignoring Barcelona's No2 as a row between players and coaches rages on
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Lionel Messi was captured ignoring Barcelona's No2 as a row between players and coaches rages on
 Messi completely blanked Quique Setien's assistant Eder Sarabia
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Messi completely blanked Quique Setien's assistant Eder Sarabia
 He strolls on to the pitch only to return to the sidelines but again ignores his coach
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He strolls on to the pitch only to return to the sidelines but again ignores his coach

The disarray among the squad was clear during the drinks break as their club captain completely blanked Quique Setien's assistant Eder Sarabia.

As Sarabia tried to speak with Messi, the forward instead walks away and appears to mutter something under his breath.

He strolls on to the pitch only to return to the sidelines but again ignores his coach.

Former Liverpool striker Iago Aspas condemned the Spanish champions to just a point with a late leveller, after Luis Suarez twice gave Barca the lead.

But he was subbed off with ten minutes left to be replaced by struggling Antoine Griezmann.

I think that's why coaches are there, to analyse those situations. We're there to do our best on the pitch.

Luis Suarez

According to Marca, furious Barcelona squad members were involved in a heated row with manager Setien over his decision to take off Suarez as well as bringing on Juventus-bound Arthur Melo.

Ernesto Valverde was axed in January due to a poor away form and it appears Sarabia could suffer the same fate.

Speaking after the game, a clearly disgruntled Suarez said: "I think that's why coaches are there, to analyse those situations. We're there to do our best on the pitch.

"Away from home, we're dropping important points that we didn't usually drop in other seasons."

Barca players are said to to have complained of feeling their time is being 'wasted' during training sessions, such is the discord between players and coaches.

The champions entered lockdown top of the league, but have drawn two of five games since returning.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu is believed to be considering Setien's future, despite only appointing him in the new year.

Former boss Pep Guardiola and club icon Xavi have both been linked with a Nou Camp return to try and end the civil war at the club.

 Real Madrid lead LaLiga after Barcelona dropped points
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Real Madrid lead LaLiga after Barcelona dropped pointsCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
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