* The director said Messi would not be the player he is without teammates * He ended his statement by saying Messi is however the best footballer Barcelona have sacked director Pere Gratacos following his comments on star player Lionel Messi in the aftermath of the Copa Del Rey draws. Gratacos told reporters that Messi is an important player in the team who is made great because of his supporting cast that includes Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and Neymar. "Leo is one of the most important people in the team, but it's not just about him. "He would not be as good without [Andres] Iniesta, Neymar and company, but Messi is the best." The comments sparked debate on social media and a few hours later Barcelona released a statement confirming that he the former director been sacked. "FC Barcelona have dismissed Pere Gratacos as head of institutional sporting relations with the Royal Spanish Football Federation for having publicly expressed a personal opinion that does not match that of the club after the draw for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey held today in Madrid,"the Catalan club said in a bizzare statement: "The decision has been taken by Albert Soler, director of professional sports, who will assume these functions directly from now on." His role was originally as the head of communications to the Spanish football federation but the 58-year-old will now work with the La Masia 360 project.at the club. Posted on 14/01/17