Messi denies 'fake news' reports over move to Inter, bailing out Ronaldinho

Lionel Messi broke his silence in an attempt to end a series of false rumors floating around, including one linking him with a transfer away from Barcelona.

The Argentine superstar rejected one report that suggested he and Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara were closing in on a move to Italy to join Inter Milan. He posted a screen grab of a quote on his Instagram and titled the story as "the first lie."

Messi, whose contract runs until 2021, reaffirmed his desire to stay at Barcelona before the season was suspended, but acknowledged the 2019-20 campaign wasn't going to plan and called on the club to make improvements.

He moved on to "the second lie," denying a rumor that he paid $1.6 million to bail former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho - along with the Brazilian legend's brother - out of a prison in Paraguay this week. The 40-year-old was placed under house arrest Tuesday after being accused of entering Paraguay with fake passports.

The hashtag "FakeNews" was included at the top Messi's post.

The 32-year-old is seemingly becoming fond of using social media as a platform to stand up for what he believes in. He previously spoke out against Barcelona's sporting director Eric Abidal, who said the players were responsible for manager Ernesto Valverde's dismissal earlier this season.

Additionally, while revealing he and his teammates would take a 70% pay cut during the coronavirus lockdown in Spain, Messi admitted his surprise that club officials had attempted to pressure them to make such financial sacrifices. He insisted that reducing salaries was always their intention.