Upon finalizing his move to Barcelona, everyone began dreaming about the partnership Antoine Griezmann would establish with Lionel Messi. The Frenchman was even excited to play alongside the Argentine superstar; however, nearly three months into life with the Blaugrana, things have not gone according to plan.
Speaking ahead of their upcoming clash with Inter Milan in the Champions League, the World Cup winners got frank with reporters over his relationship with the five-time Ballon d’Or. The 28-year-old admitted that they are lacking chemistry, both on and off the pitch.
He gave two reasons for this. Off the pitch, Griezmann has come to the realization that La Pulga is not a man of many words. Antoine admits that he too is like this, making it all the more difficult for the pair to interact and conversate.
On the pitch is where the Catalan giants want the duo to do their talking and build a bond but that too hasn’t picked up pace. The reason for this is evident for the naked eye to see: Messi’s injury issues meant they haven’t been on the pitch together for much.
“He is not someone who talks a lot and neither am I. It's difficult," Antoine said, as per the Daily Mail.
“I have already given him some mate (tea) and we are going in the right direction.
“But he has been injured a lot so it is difficult to make this connection, to improve it. We are two good guys, nice people, and I'm here to help anyone on the team.”
Barcelona’s marquee signing has scored three goals in his opening eight games and while this is a tally many would be proud of, this falls short of the Blaugrana’s expectations. With Messi managing only 91 minutes in La Liga so far, and 31 in the Champions League, the pressure was on Griezmann to step up and fill his void but that is yet to happen.
However, in Leo’s first league start this season, the 2-1 win over Villarreal which saw him taken off at half-time due to a groin injury, the Argentine set up the former Atletico ace for the opening goal inside six minutes. This could be a sign of what is to come once the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is fully fit.
He could return on Wednesday when Valverde’s side host Inter Milan in the Champions League, which should be a tough time. The Italians have never scored in three trips to Camp Nou but Conte’s men boast a perfect record in Serie A and are yet to lose a single game this season.
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