Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi has debunked claims that he plans to help ex-teammate Ronaldinho get out of jail in Paraguay.
The 39-year-old and his brother, Roberto Assis have been remanded in prison custody since March 5 after entering the country with fake passports.
The duo was caught at the Resort Yacht & Golf Club Paraguayo on March 4. Hotel officials found passports bearing their names but with Paraguayan nationality.
They were subsequently remanded after a judge signed-off on their detention.
Peruvian newspaper Libero claimed that Messi intended to pay the €4m bail due to their special relationship having played together at Barcelona.
However, Spanish newspaper Sport reported on Tuesday that the Argentine is annoyed about the claim he planned to get Ronaldinho out of jail as soon as possible.
“Messi is very sad about Ronaldinho’s personal situation, but at no time has he made any economic or judicial movement to remove the Brazilian ex-footballer from jail.
“He has not put his lawyers to work on the case nor is he going to pay the four million euros of bail,” the paper reported, quoting Messi’s entourage.
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Meanwhile, Ronaldinho, the 2004 and 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year, is said to be in high spirits at the prison, taking part in a football tournament on Friday.