Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman launched a passionate defence of Leo Messi after victory over Athletic Bilbao.

Koeman hit out at the media after his earnings at Barcelona were revealed in full by El Mundo.

The Blaugrana captain opened the scoring against Athletic Club on Sunday night with a fantastic freekick past Unai Simon.

"We've known, for quite some time, that he's the best in the world," Koeman said when asked about Messi at full time.

"He's done a lot for the club. He's decisive during games.

"He hasn't been more motivated today [because of the newspaper report].

"You have to respect everything he's done.

"What's happened has been for bad intentions, to cause harm.

"We have to be united and focused. Things that are published have to be put to the side, but it's tough.

"He's a great player, he gives us creativity in attack.

"Without Leo, you can't aspire to much."