Messi denies having 'say' in appointment of new Barca coach

Barcelona's Lionel Messi has said that he did not have a say in influencing his club's decision of bringing in fellow Argentinian Gerardo Martino as coach, a day after Martino said he was sure Messi and his father Jorge had put in a good word for him with the Barca hierarchy.

According to The Sun, despite speaking highly of his compatriot in the past, Messi is adamant he had no influence in the decision to appoint Martino, adding that he had nothing to do with the signing and does not need to give any explanations.

Messi said that it was down to president Sandro Rosell and the club and he said before that he seemed like a good coach.

The Argentine striker also said that he did know Martino personally but thought he was a good signing, showing results at Newell's and with Paraguay.

Martino has agreed a two-year contract and will be officially unveiled by Barca soon, the report said.