Able to walk for free in the summer of 2021, Lionel Messi contract ends in the summer of 2021. The factors that weigh against Lionel Messi signing a contract extension with Barcelona at the end of this season have been stacking up of late.
Messi had a public brawl with current sporting director, Eric Abidal, after the Frenchman suggested the players got Ernesto Valverde the sack.
There were also claims Messi was disappointed Barcelona failed to resign old Friend Neymar or build a competitive team for the season and he said in a recent interview: ‘Right now we don’t have what it takes to win the Champions League.’
Barcelona has really shown intention in extending the Argentine’s contract beyond 2021.
Last November, in an interview to the Associated Press, president Josep Bartomeu admitted in a Press interview that he wished to offer the 32-year-old an ‘indefinite’ contract that would have him see out the rest of his playing days at the Camp Nou.
‘I always make a comparison with Pelé,’ explained Bartomeu. ‘Pelé was a man from only one club [in Brazil]… [and] I have no doubt that after Messi ends his career as a footballer, he will remain linked to this club for the rest of his life.’
It is not yet certain of Messi would like to stay at Barcelona beyond 2021 or sign a “lifetime” contract, so many things a likely to change. Here are my top three predictions of events that are likely to take turn.
A Move To Inter Milan: Lionel Messi to Inter is no longer just a joke, but a working hypothesis. Inter Milan President Moratti said yesterday: “To get him is very difficult”.
The Italian side triggered Messi’s £132million release clause 14 years ago as an 18-year-old in 2006, only for the Argentine to reject the switch. The 2010 champions League winner ain’t backing out of the chase for the 6 time Ballon d’or winner and they are ready to launch another assault on Barcelona for his signature. With Messi’s contract situation still in dark, now will be a time for Inter to get their target though at an audacious price if Barcelona are ready to let him leave.
Barcelona To Lure Him Into Singing Of A “Life Time” Contract: Barcelona is not ready to let their star man leave despite the differences the Argentine has with some of the club’s hierarchy. The club’s president can’t stop admitting the fact he wants Messi to Stay at the club beyond 2021 and with other suitors monitoring Messi’s contract situation at Barcelona, Barcelona might have no choice than to meet Messi’s term and lure him into signing a contract extension with the Catalans
A Move Back To Native Argentina:
A lifelong supporter of the Newell Old Boys, the Rosario born joined the Argentinian club when he was just six years old. He went on to score over 500 goals in six years in the club’s youth setup before joining Barcelona. Messi has stated that he would like to return to Newell’s Old Boys before he hangs up his boots.
It’s a childhood dream of mine to play in the Newell’s shirt, though I don’t know if I can make it happen. It’s not just down to me, though. I’ve got three children”.
At 32, Messi might just make a shocking move back to his native Rosario to fulfill his dream of wearing the Newell’s shirt again.
These are just predictions, but Messi might just make his decision based on these predictions.