Lionel Messi has rejected Barcelona’s contract renewal prompting exit talk.
Lionel Messi is reportedly prepared to leave Barcelona in 2021 with multiple clubs naturally interest in acquiring one of the best players in the world.
The Argentine international is frustrated and angry with the Barca hierarchy for leaked reports claiming his involvement or responsibility for events happening at the club. One such case was the sacking of Ernesto Valverde where sporting director, Eric Abidal, criticized the players.
The club’s captain is also not happy about the lack of quality among the current squad with Barca selling promising talents like Arthur Melo. At 33 years of age, Messi does not have many more years to give to football with Cadena Ser reporting that him and his father, Jorge, are not advancing their contract negotiations with Barca.
Many believe that this decision is to force the club’s president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, out of the club as Messi desires to see a significant improvement in the current project that focuses on the betterment of the squad’s performance rather than the club’s finances.
The 2021 presidential election is said to be the determining factor for Leo as the only way to make him continue at Camp Nou is if a new president is appointed that desires the success of the team. He also wants quality reinforcements for next season and a good coach, namely Xavi Hernandez or Ronald Koeman.
While it is unlikely that Messi leaves Barca as he has displayed his love for the club on countless occasions, it is not outside the realm of possibility as former midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta were both one-club footballers who at the twilight of their career decision to leave in the end to play elsewhere rather than retiring.
Manchester City
Lionel Messi benefits greatly by joining Manchester City with the possibility of a move to the Etihad Stadium being real. The Barca captain has a close relationship with fellow Argentine, Sergio Aguero, who might play a massive role in acquiring what could be the biggest transfer to ever take place in world football. Another added factor is reuniting with former coach, Pep Guardiola, who Messi respects greatly and has enjoyed playing football under him. If Leo does decide to move, the Premier League side could be his best option in terms of quality football and lifestyle.
Liverpool
What could make Liverpool an even greater force in European football is the addition of the Argentine maestro. Their recent success might be enough to convince Messi to join a strong contender to win a treble in the coming seasons as they have already managed to win the Champions League and the Premier League title. Messi is frustrated with the direction Barca are moving towards and Anfield could be the perfect destination to play with a competitive side.
Argentina (Specifically Newell’s Old Boys)
Messi has always voiced his desire to return to Argentine and more specifically his childhood side, Newell’s Old Boys. Despite this, a move to Argentina could put an end to his Champions League and World Cup career as Argentine lack the competition to keep him at the top of his game. with Copa America in 2021 and World Cup in 2022, Messi will surely opt to play elsewhere until the final days of his career where he can move to Argentina to hang his boots.
Bayern Munich
The German League, Bundesliga, can be a new challenge for the Barca no. 10 and what better German side to play with than Bayern. They have been dominating their local league but have struggled to be considered a strong contender for the Champions League. Messi’s arrival will surely change all that and playing alongside Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski could form an unstoppable trio.
Manchester United
United fans can only dream of acquiring Messi as while the club’s history is an attractive asset, the reality of their current form will not favor them. Their lack of success in recent years along with issues on and off the field will surely push the Argentine away from moving to Old Trafford.
Borussia Dortmund
Another option in Germany but a chance to enjoy football while being surrounded by youth. Dortmund allows Messi to experience the sport with quality youngsters while aiding them with his knowledge. Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland are some of the best promising talents in the current market and playing alongside them could be a unique challenge for the 33-year-old.
Juventus
The ultimate challenge and quite honestly a wet dream for many footballing fans that wish to see Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play on the same team for once. Ronaldo, during his move to Serie A, had challenged Messi to join him in Italy and the Argentine now has the opportunity to accept it. Juventus will immediately be considered the strongest team in the world if they manage to have both the superstars in their squad. While an unlikely one, the two G.O.A.T could give the fans an unforgettable memory to remember for a lifetime.
Inter Milan
Another way to accept Ronaldo’s challenge is to fight Juventus for the Serie A title itself. Fans could witness another constant rivalry between the two greats, similar to that of Barca-Real. Messi could be the one to stop Juve’s dominance in Italy after the club secures their 10th consecutive Serie A title. Inter have been known to have attempted to sign Messi on many occasions and now have a real chance at acquiring that dream.
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