“It’s easier when you receive a pass from Messi” - Former La Masia star opens up on playing with Lionel Messi

Dundee United's new signing, David Babunski, has heaped praise on Lionel Messi and Barcelona. The former La Masia star said that Messi made him look good in training.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Babunski said that the advantage everyone had at Barcelona was the first-team training close to the youth. He believes that it helped the youngsters when they moved to the senior squad, as many already knew their names. He said:

"The advantage in Barca is that the structure of the training sessions are very similar from the youth categories all the way into the first team.

"So when you arrive to the first team, you kind of find yourself in a familiar environment in terms of the exercises that you do and the instructions that you are given, and what is expected from you football-wise."

Speaking about Messi and other stars at the club, he added:

"The connection between the players of the youth category and the first team is very close, so they know you by your name already when you come there.

"It makes everything much easier. And then it's easier when you receive a pass from Messi - or when you give a bad pass to him he will just control it anyway. So you look much better when you play surrounded by these players!"

Babunski never got into the Barcelona first team so he never shared the bench with Lionel Messi. He played for the Barca U16, 18, 19 and B sides before leaving for Red Star Belgrade.

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Antoine Griezmann was not happy with Lionel Messi at Barcelona

While David Babunski said that Lionel Messi and Co. welcomed players to the first-team, Antoine Griezmann was not of the same opinion. The Frenchman said that he didn't receive a message from the Argentine after his high-profile move to the Camp Nou.

Griezmann was quoted by MARCA as saying:

"The first day was a little difficult, because I was nutmegged twice in the rondos. I haven't received a message yet from Lionel Messi, but yes, Luis Suarez did welcome me.

"I have been welcomed in well by the group, and I'm happy to share a dressing room with these guys. I hope I can help as much as possible."

Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi played 85 matches together at Barcelona. The duo combined for just 12 goals, with the Argentine scoring seven of them.