Messi backs Martino for Barca job

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has spoken glowingly about Gerardo Martino following the emergence of his fellow Argentinian as the favourite to succeed Tito Vilanova in the Nou Camp hot-seat.

Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is reportedly in Buenos Aires today for talks with Martino, who led Newell’s Old Boys to the Argentinian Clausura title last season but recently severed ties with the club.