Messi: I didn't appoint Martino
Lionel Messi has rubbished suggestions he was behind Barcelona's decision to hire Gerardo Martino as the club's new coach, Goal.com reported.
He said: "I don't have anything to do with the signing of Martino and I have nothing to explain. It's [Barca president Sandro] Rosell and the club's thing. At that time, I said that he looked like a good coach, but I have nothing to explain.
"I don't know him personally and have never seen him or Luis Enrique, who was also linked. He seems to be a good signing as he has demonstrated with Newell's and Paraguay that he is capable. Hopefully he'll do well here.
"After Tito's departure, we must begin again. It will be a hard season for us."