Lionel Messi said he is considering legal action, after the Argentinian superstar refuted quotes attributed to him, published by a Hungarian magazine, saying several team-mates at La Masia thought he was "dumb".
Kepes Sport quoted Messi as saying several players, including Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique, though he has problems as a kid. "Cesc Fabregas told me that when I was little, I dressed in silence and they thought I was dumb," Kepes Sport quoted Messi as saying.
"Now I am more open, and not so shy in the locker room as it was before in La Masia."
The magazine also quoted Messi thanking Neymar, after the Brazilian forward complimented the Barcelona forward.
"That interview never existed," Messi stated to Teleam. "I would like to deny having made that interview.
"I reserve the right to take legal action (against Kepes Sport)."
Meanwhile, Messi's Brazilian team-mate Daniel Alves said, while Neymar is a great talent, Messi was easily the best player in the world currently.
"Neymar is a true phenomenon," Alves told reporters. "However, for now, any player who is compared to Messi comes out badly.
"He has a bright future ahead of him, but Messi is the undisputed best at the moment.
"His stats are simply amazing."
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner will again be one of the favorites for the world player of the year award, with Cristiano Ronaldo the main challenger for the prestigious title.
Messi is expected to return to training with Barca on Monday, ahead of the Spanish giants' first pre-season friendly against Hamburg on July 24.
