If you think of Lionel Messi, you think of the iconic Barcelona number 10 Jersey; You think of a legacy which spans nearly 20 years; A legacy which started in the youth ranks but has amassed a trophy haul which includes 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions Leagues, 3 Club World cups and 6 Ballon D’or’s. For me, Messi is Mr Barcelona, he has been the centre of everything they have achieved over the years. You would not begrudge him to finish his club career at the Catalan giants and be a one-club man.
That is why it must have come as a surprise to many that on Tuesday, Messi informed Barcelona by Fax…yes FAX!! that he wanted to leave Barcelona immediately. For me it wasn’t a surprise; I watched his body language in the 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich and as the club captain, the leader, his body language said it all, he was done, he wasn’t running about the pitch or trying to motivate the troops. If the ground could swallow Messi up, he would of welcomed it!
Now i’m not saying Messi’s decision to submit a transfer request is a reaction to the thrashing by Munich in the Champions League; Far from it. Messi has become disillusioned with how the club is being run at the top with there being a report of a rift between him and current president Josep Bartomeu. The Argentine has reportedly not had a relationship with Bartomeu for 5 years. Although he has been happy to tow the club line, and has stayed out of his love for the club, enough is enough. Lionel has had a great relationship with all of his coaches at Barcelona; Aside from a few run ins with Luis Enrique. But when Ernesto Valverde was sacked when Barcelona were top of La Liga, it was a shock and a big blow to Messi and further damaged his absent relationship with the board.
Lack Of Planning
Messi has grown tired of the lack of planning from those in charge. This goes back to when Barca sold Neymar to Paris Saint Germain; Neymar is one of Messi’s closest friends and Messi believed Barcelona were poorer without the Brazilian. But it doesn’t stop there is clear displeasure with how they have spent the Neymar money and Messi’s relationship with ex-teammate and now Sporting Director Eric Abidal is fragile to say the least; Abidal accused the Barcelona players of downing tools in the last few weeks of Valverde’s reign without naming any names. Messi responded to these comments with a social media post saying “When you talk about players, you have to give names because if not, it gives air to things which are not true.”
Another thing which has annoyed Messi at the conclusion of a very disappointing season; the first season since before Guardiola took charge that Barca have not won a trophy; Is Barcelona’s treatment of close friend Luis Suarez. Suarez was informed that he had no future at the club and his contract will be ripped up and available on a free transfer – Messi believe’s Suarez deserves more respect.
Before deciding to leave, Messi wanted a meeting with new boss Ronald Koeman. The aim was to hear about the new bosses project but as a result Messi has little faith in the project bringing quick wins to the Nou Camp – Something that a 33 year old Lionel Messi desires.
Messi’s Next Destination?
The Question on everyone’s lips is what is Lionel Messi’s next destination. Manchester City are the firm favourites with a romantic reunion with Pep Guardiola touted. City Chiefs Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain have a good relationship with Messi from their time at Barcelona and will be key to any deal to bring Messi to Manchester. But will the Argentine look to swap the beauty of Barcelona for somewhere like Manchester. We all know Messi has the X Factor and has the ability to play as a playmaker and play in a number of positions.
But would he be able to do this alongside Kevin De Bruyne who also likes to do the same. Both men like seeing plenty of the ball and conducting the orchestra; But can they play in the same team and conduct the orchestra together? Manchester is a very viable option with City and United being in a financial position to afford him; But the link up with Guardiola gives City the advantage; Messi could also be the last piece of the Jigsaw for Champions League glory.
Another potential destination could be another reunion with good friend Neymar at Paris Saint Germain. Another club trying to win their first Champions League trophy and Messi could be the last part of the Jigsaw in Paris. PSG are another club in Europe who can afford to get Messi and there are worse cities than Paris for Messi to move and settle his family!
Italy is another possible destination with Juventus reportedly monitoring the Situation. Could Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play in the same team for the first time ever?! or is Inter Milan a viable option. Inter’s owners want to be able to challenge Juventus in the league. And also in Europe and see Messi as the man to be able to help but Messi may see that as too big a project – ideally he wants to add more Champions League titles to his collection.
Destination: European Champions?
Are current European Champions Bayern Munich a viable option? Well yes you cannot rule it out. Messi would be joining an already competitive squad with great European pedigree. Whether the Bundesliga giants would splash out on Messi is another story. But you would be foolish to write off a move to Germany.
Personally I think if the Barcelona Presidents election was this summer rather than next year. Then the Argentine would stay providing Bartomeu was not re-elected. However the only way I can see Messi staying with the Catalan giants is if Bartomeu resigns and there is new leadership. However selling Messi does make financial sense for Barcelona. As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic; Barcelona players were required to take a pay cut, however it was reported from inside the club that some senior players such as Messi had refused; Which was untrue. However this further annoyed Messi.
Barcelona are reported to need to shave €150million off their wage budget and with Messi earning around €990,000 a week. It will go a long way to helping that cause. I believe Manchester City and PSG will be the front runners; both will be able to offer domestic success but more importantly; Both will see Messi as the final piece of the Jigsaw to European success
Messi will feel he still can operate at Europes top table. So i don’t believe any big money move to Qatar, Japan or USA would interest him. Ex team mates Xavi and Iniesta went to Qatar and Japan respectively; But both by their own admissions were on the decline when leaving the Camp Nou; The same cannot be said for The Argentine superstar
