That’s what Diario Gol claim Gerard Deulofeu told Real Madrid ace Dani Ceballos after leaving Catalunya for a loan spell at Watford.
Deulofeu returned to Barcelona from Everton last summer following an impressive loan spell with Serie A giants AC Milan.
But he endured a frustrating stint back with his boyhood club, making just seven starts in all competitions under Valverde.
Deulofeu was packed off on loan to Watford on Monday and the latest reports suggest he was in contact with Ceballos in the wake of that switch.
According to Diario Gol, Deulofeu suggested Valverde’s selections are dictated by how close players are to Messi.
The Spanish outlet claim he sent a message to Ceballos on WhatsApp reading: “You play if you are Messi’s friend.”
Deulofeu’s message on Messi’s standing at Barcelona apparently reflects Ceballos’ feelings about life at Real.
The midfielder has started just twice in La Liga this term and is way down the pecking order at the Bernabeu.
Diario Gol indicate Ceballos believes Zinedine Zidane only picks players he likes, even if they’re not playing well.
Ceballos is said to have considered a return to Real Betis, the club he joined Real from, last month.
However, he ran out of time to clinch a loan deal and will have to accept a fringe role in Madrid for the rest of the season.
