Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets to meet with Messi to try and calm situation
Time to close ranks around Lionel Messi. The Barcelona squad want the Argentine at ease, as always, and any disagrement with Luis Enrique to be as short-lasting as possible.
Barcelona's players are aware that if they want to win a title this season they need the contribution of the world's best player, as has happened all of these years in which Barcelona have reigned in Spain and Europe.
The three captains of the first team - the fourth is him - Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets - are scheduled to meet with Messi on Wednesay morning, prior to the training session ahead of Thursday's match against Elche in the Copa del Rey.
They want to know what has happened between the Asturian coach and Messi, aiming to nip the discomfort in the bid, restore peace and calm to the locker room.
It has not sat well within the club, nor the players, that Messi missed the open training session and the subsequent hospital visits due to gastroenteritis.
The three captains believe that Messi is telling the truth and his absence is due to illness, but they understand the anger of the fans.
Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets do not want the gap in relations to grow bigger and with the rest of the squad know that a tight unit is essential to achieve success. They do not want a situation of tension, which could lead to poor performances, in an important month.
Barca must keep fighting for the league title in January, and if they beat Elche, will face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
