FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has accused Paris Saint-Germain of trying to crank up the pressure on his side ahead of their looming Champions League clash later this month by talking up the prospect of Lionel Messi joining their club.

Angel Di Maria became the latest member of PSG to envisage the six-time world Player of the Year heading to the French capital when his Barca contract runs out in June, saying on Wednesday he “wished” he could play with Messi at PSG.

PSG’s Brazilian forward and former Barca player Neymar said back in November he wished to play alongside Messi again, while sporting director Leonardo said last month that the French side had a seat at the table of clubs wishing to sign the Argentine.

“I think it is a lack of respect that so many people at PSG are talking about Messi when he is still a Barca player,” Koeman said after Barca’s 5-3 win at Granada in the Copa del Rey in which Antoine Griezmann scored a brace. “They are trying to influence the game.”

Barca host PSG in a Champions League last-16 first leg on February 16 before the return game on March 10. The Catalans pulled off one of the greatest comebacks by beating PSG 6-1 in a last-16 second leg in 2017 to progress after losing the first leg 4-0.