Luis Enrique wanted to formally punish Lionel Messi for "gastroenteritis" absence

Luis Enrique wanted to formally punish Lionel Messi for "gastroenteritis" absence

Luis Enrique seems to have started a war with Lionel Messi, that has caused others in the dressing room to try and intervene.

As explained in SPORT, the coach was furious that Messi missed the open doors training session on Monday, which was attended by thousands of fans, including many children.

Enrique was not convinced that the "gastroenteritis" Messi said he had was real and his anger was monumental. So much so that he took a firm decision - to punish Leo formally.

In the end, there was no punishment. The reason for that is because the captains, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, convinced the coach that punishing Messi would not help and make the environment around the club untenable. 

On Wednesday morning those three club captains will speak with Messi and try to calm the storm that surrounds Barcelona.