Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has kept his promise to delay any decisions on his future until the end of the season, and so far are believed do not had contact with potential suitors like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
Messi officially asked to leave Camp Nou last summer, attempting to trigger a clause allowing him to be released from his free agent contract a year earlier. But Barca challenged him and the six-time Ballon d’Or winner backed off once it became clear that taking the club he loves to court in a cranky legal battle was his only option – this that he wasn’t ready to do.
Messi is on his way to no longer having a contract at the end of the season. This time, Barca would be powerless to keep him if he wanted to leave, although he could still be persuaded to sign a new contract if there is enough evidence that a solid new project is being built at the Camp. Nou.
The arrival of a new president when the final elections are held could also help, with Messi admitting that former leader Josep Maria Bartomeu left him feeling abandoned and betrayed.
Messi is already eligible to formally discuss his future with other clubs with a view to signing a pre-contract deal before the summer. But in December, he explained in an in-depth interview with La Sexta that he would not engage in any discussions until the end of the season.
“I don’t think too far in the short term and just want to see how the season ends. I will not negotiate with other clubs. I will wait until the end of the season and in June I will decide, ”he said.
Messi has been true to his word so far, with Goal reporting that he had not been in contact with either PSG or Manchester City, despite regular speculation that he could join either club. This includes all players or new coach of PSG and compatriot Mauricio Pochettino.
Messi admitted in his interview with La Sexta that he is speaking with City boss Pep Guardiola, but the subject of his future and the possibility of reuniting in Manchester is not something they are discussing.
“I don’t know how long my last conversation with Pep Guardiola lasted, but we are talking. We’re not talking about whether we’ll see each other again, ”the 33-year-old explained.
Goal writes that Messi is “tired” of speculation surrounding his future and insists he will be the only one to confirm where he plays his football next season. But don’t expect this announcement to come until June, when the 2020/21 campaign is over.
For more than Jamie Spencer, follow it on Twitter and Facebook!
