JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Lionel Messi insists Ernesto Valverde maintains the backing of Barcelona's players after the coach's position came into question once again after a thrilling Spanish Supercopa 3-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia.

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Barca looked on course for a place in Sunday's final when goals from Messi and Antoine Griezmann canceled out Koke's opener. However, strikes from Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa in a crazy final 10 minutes saw Atletico set up a meeting with Real Madrid -- who defeated Valencia on Wednesday -- at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium instead.

Champions League defeats at Roma and Liverpool in the last two years have led to doubts about Valverde's future. La Liga losses this season against Athletic Bilbao, Granada and Levante, as well as last weekend's draw against bottom club Espanyol, have since increased the pressure.

Valverde was even jeered by a largely pro-Barca crowd in Jeddah before the game, but Messi insists the players stand with their coach.

"Yes, there's complete confidence in the coach," the forward told reporters after the game.