Barcelona have come to the aid of their star striker Lionel Messi following Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe's claims that the Argentina international racially abused him during his time in La Liga.

The Dutchman, who is currently on loan at Everton, stated that the Ballon d'Or winner called the 25-year-old a "negro" on a number of occasions.

A spokesman from the Catalan club said: "[Messi] has always shown a maximum respect and sportsmanship towards his rivals, something which has been recognised by his fellow professionals many times, and we are sure that any accusations to the contrary are well wide of the mark. His behaviour throughout his career has always been exemplary."

Drenthe has spent a five-year spell at the Bernabeu.