Messi: I didn't appoint Martino

The Argentina star has denied
influencing the appointment of the
former Newell's Old Boys boss as
Tito Vilanova's replacement
Lionel Messi has rubbished suggestions
he was behind Barcelona's decision to hire
Gerardo Martino as the club's new coach.
The 44-year-old was confirmed as Tito
Vilanova's replacement - who stepped
down to continue his recovery from a
cancer relapse - on Tuesday, after a
successful stint in charge of Messi's
childhood side Newell's Old Boys.
That has led to rumours the four-time
Ballon d'Or winner had a strong influence
in the club's latest appointment,
something he was quick to dismiss after
Barca were beaten 2-0 by Bayern in a
pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
He said: "I don't have anything to do with
the signing of Martino and I have nothing
to explain. It's [Barca president Sandro]
Rosell and the club's thing. At that time, I
said that he looked like a good coach, but
I have nothing to explain.
"I don't know him personally and have
never seen him or Luis Enrique, who was
also linked. He seems to be a good signing
as he has demonstrated with Newell's
and Paraguay that he is capable. Hopefully
he'll do well here.
"After Tito's departure, we must begin
again. It will be a hard season for us."
Martino also enjoyed success with
Paraguay, guiding the nation to the
quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup -
where they were beaten by Spain - and
the final of the 2011 Copa America, only
to be beaten 3-0 by Uruguay at the final
hurdle.