Spanish television repeatedly replayed images from different angles of Lionel Messi arguing with David Villa during Barcelona's 2-0 La Liga win over Granada on Saturday while the game scoreless was just before halftime. The Spanish media seized it as evidence that the two Barca attackers don't get along. Messi denies the notion.

"These things happen in games," he told Barcelona's official television channel. "You want to score the first goal so that everything is then easier. It is something normal. It also happens at training, but people do not see it as it is not televised.

"I have no problem with el Guaje [Villa], just the opposite. My history with him is spectacular. This locker room is spectacular. Do not look for problems where there are none. We got angry because we want the best for the team and tension makes you react like that."

Barcelona has won its first five games of the season and is 8 points ahead of defending champ Real Madrid, which on Monday beat Rayo Vallecano, 2-0, in a game postponed from Sunday because someone cut the electrical cables to Vallecas Stadium.