PSG star makes Messi claim, rules out Barca move

Ian Watson

Marco Verratti has spoken out over his future while implying that Lionel Messi gets special treatment from referees.

The PSG midfielder, who has been linked with Barcelona, was sent off during the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid, with his second caution being issued for dissent.

Verratti admits he was at fault, but the Italy star believes Messi would have been treated differently.

“I got it wrong against Real, but it was a red card out of frustration and sometimes referees could be more tolerant,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It was a bad reaction but I didn’t insult anybody, whereas Messi goes around pointing his finger in the referee’s face and doesn’t even get punished. But anyway, I need to improve.”

Rumours had suggested that Verratti could be linking up with Messi at Barcelona next season, but the 25-year-old insists he is going nowhere.

“I read that Mino Raiola had offered me to Barcelona. It’s a lie,” he said.

“I’ve spoken with my management and they know what I think, and it is all clear. I’ve decided to stay.

“I’m utterly intent on winning with PSG, who gave me this opportunity to grow also as a man, and I share in an ambitious project.

“I hope my team-mates also think like this because one defeat (to Real) cannot erase everything. If we are to reach great objectives then we need great players. It’s so much easier with Neymar.”