Barcelona news: Lionel Messi is upset and angry at La Liga giants

Catalonia will decide this week (October 1) on a sovereignty referendum that has caused a huge split across Spain.

The Spanish government have vowed to stop the vote taking place but pro-referendum demonstrators have been out in force this past week for solidarity.

And the referendum has recently come to the attention of Catalan’s major football team, Barcelona.

They recently released a statement slamming the Spanish government, stating they support “democracy” and “freedom of speech”.

But the club’s position has reportedly upset their Argentinian superstar Messi.

OK Diario journalist Eduardo Inda claims the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not happy with the club’s stance.

“Messi does not want that Bartomeu LE use for campaigning and is angry with the positioning of the club by Referendum,” Inda said on El Chiringuito TV.

“Messi is upset because he thinks that there will be hostility in the rest of Spain after the positioning of the club.”

The 30-year-old has made a terrific start to the new season for Barcelona, scoring nine goals in his opening six league matches.

His goals have helped propel Barcelona to an early lead at the top of La Liga, seven points ahead of rivals Real Madrid.