Lionel Messi reportedly told Barcelona boss Luis Enrique to drop Andre Gomes… and Portugal international is benched for match against Atletico Madrid

ANDRE GOMES was dropped from Barcelona’s starting eleven to face Atletico Madrid after Lionel Messi reportedly complained to boss Luis Enrique.

According to Spanish newspaper Diario Gol, Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all unhappy with the Portuguese international’s continued inclusion in the side.

Reuters

And Messi was sent to speak to the Barca boss about dropping Gomes and restoring players like Ivan Rakitic to the starting line-up.

Despite producing a series of poor performances, Gomes retained the faith of Luis Enrique, following his move from Valencia in the summer for £30m plus £17m in add-ons.

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AP:Associated Press

EPA

But it appears Messi’s intervention has forced Enrique to compromise.

Gomes and Rakitic have both been placed on the bench, with Rafinha the man trusted to start in attacking midfield.

Barcelona fans have also taken to social media to call for Gomes to be dropped.

“He should not play again!” has become a repeated cry from the club’s supporters.