The relationship between Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique has completely broken down, according to El Chiringuito.

The Spanish television show are reporting that tensions between the pair are said to have grown in wake of Blaugrana’s recent poor form, which has seen the Catalan club draw two and lose one of their last three La Liga games.

Pique is apparently not happy that club captain Messi rarely speaks to the media, particularly when things are going wrong for the club.

“Pique is critical of Messi for not facing up (to the press) when the going gets tough,” the programme claimed on Monday.

“He feels that Leo only talks when he’s not in Europe, with Argentina.”

Messi, meanwhile, is said to have hit back at the Spanish defender by pinning the blame for Barcelona’s current run of poor results on the Blaugrana backline.

“He has told him that they’re letting in too many goals; he has made it apparent to Pique that (he thinks) the defence is not offering the protection it should.”