Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is supportive of Lionel Messi after he lost his cool with journalists during the international break.

Koeman understands Messi's frustrations, particularly due to the timing and manner of the questions.

"I can understand why Leo was p***ed off," Koeman said ahead of Barcelona's game with Atletico Madrid this weekend. "He had just had a long journey and asking questions immediately afterward was disrespectful.

"It might have been the plan to cause controversy. I haven't seen anything in the dressing room that indicates there's a problem between them.

"I don't like looking for problems. The person who spoke hasn't been working with Griezmann for years. It's bulls***."