Pique told Laporta not to renew Messi's contract, Leo saw it as 'betrayal' — El Pais

El Pais report that Gerard Pique told Joan Laporta not to extend Lionel Messi's contract last summer.

"Without Leo the issue of economic fair play will be settled," the defender reportedly argued.

Messi saw Pique's actions and words as 'betrayal'. He did not get why Barca decided against renewing his contract after everything had been agreed.

Back in January, Messi visited Catalonia and had dinner with Alba and Busquets. Pique wasn't invited, with papers reporting that his relationship with Leo had broken down.