Picture of Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi celebrating a goal might seem ordinary to outsiders but there were reports that the Frenchman would be leaving this summer. The former Atletico Madrid star has failed to meet expectations at Camp Nou, with sources citing a rift with Messi.

It has been a tough time for Barcelona especially as they dropped points in two key games, allowing Real Madrid to topple them in the La Liga. The Catalan side rose to the occasion to defeat Villareal 4-1 in an away fixture, staying alive in the race against Madrid.

Playing a draw in the last two games meant Barca were under pressure heading to Villareal. With calls that Madrid are being favoured to win the league after being gifted penalty kicks a few times – which Sergio Ramos always converts – it seemed as if fighting was a lost cause.
Pau Torres scored an early own goal in Barca’s favour. Gerard Moreno equalized for the hosts in the 14th minute, letting the champions know it would be a long night. Luis Suarez, whose effort have help with Barca’s resurgence upon return from injury, scored for Barce. Griezmann than added another before the break. It was a sublime effort, but important for his confidence after the coach dropped him in the last two games that ended in draws. In the second half AnsuFati added the fourth for a resounding victory for Barca.
After the last two draws, reports in Spain were rife with claims that Messi was tired and willing to leave the club or retire. Against Atletico, many expected coach QuiqueSetien to at least play Griezmann against his former team for respect sake but the coach brought him on in added time. The Villareal victory was a crucial one for all; the coach that is about losing the title, Griezmann, Messi – who played very well even though he did not score, the club as a whole.