Lionel Messi says he was taken by surprise by the revelations of an alleged social media scandal at Barcelona.
Reports published in Spain this week claimed the Catalan side hired a PR company to create social media accounts that would boost the reputation of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu while at the same time tarnishing those of a host of figures linked to Barca, including Messi, Gerard Pique, Xavi and former manager Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona issued a statement denying the reports on Monday. Although they admitted hiring I3 Ventures, Barca insisted that the company "has no relationship with the accounts mentioned and, if any relationship was to come to light, the club would immediately end their contractual agreement and bring about any necessary legal action to defend their interests.