Barcelona midfielder Xavi has questioned footballers who complain of stomach upsets.

Xavi's comments came just three days before Lionel Messi cried off from Monday's open training session citing such a complaint!.

Barca coach Luis Enrique is reported to have been talked out of disciplining Messi by Xavi and his fellow squad leaders.

The veteran told BTV a player "might feel bad at first but you take a tablet then go out to play".

"In football circles, complaining of having a 'stomach bug' sounds like an excuse. It usually means there's something else going on. When you hear someone has gastroenteritis you immediately think, there's more to it that that. The worst of all are pains to joints".