Barcelona Fearly Left by Lionel Messi

Barcelona continues to worry about being abandoned by its superstar, Lionel Messi, who could leave Camp Nou at the end of his contract, June 2021.

Until now, Catalan has tried to convince Argentina to renew its new contract. Especially in his old contract which will expire in mid-2021, Messi has the option to leave whenever he wants, even at the end of the season.

The five-time Golden Ball winner won the agreement in November 2017, even though President Josep Maria Bartomeu has been discussing the renewal for months.

However, Messi has not signed a new contract so far. That was enough to make Bartomeu worried and always worried that Messi would leave his club, because he had no obligation to remain at Camp Nou for another two years.

According to the El País report reported by Goal, thanks to the agreement clause that Messi has a unilateral right to leave Camp Nou after the age of 32 years. Meanwhile, Messi celebrates his 32nd birthday on June 24, and this means he can choose to leave the Blaugrana which he has maintained for nearly 20 years.

In addition, the clause also made Messi decide to terminate his contract at Barcelona on 30 June, even though he was not the first player to accept the Barca clause.

Previously, three legendary Barca players, namely Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi, had the luxury of being able to spend time in their careers every year at the same age.

While Messi admitted that he did not want to burden the club's economy, he also did not want to be forced by any contract extension. Then, the club also agreed to continue the mutual agreement, where he had the choice to leave after being 32 years old.

However, Ernesto Valverde's team expects, like Puyol, Iniesta and Xavi, Messi will be fine after this season, because he shows some signs of slowing down in his game.

The Barca captain and the Argentine national team are still absent earlier this season, due to a calf injury he suffered during the preseason. But, he still scored 51 extraordinary goals in 50 matches in all club competitions last season.

Bartomeu also admitted in February that Barcelona was still trying to persuade him to stay engaged and stay more at Camp Nou. "Messi's contract expires in two years. But, seeing how he plays, we want him to stay here for many more years," Bartomeu said.

"Leo is smart, he knows how to measure things. If he feels good, he will tell us. When he decides on his career, we will renew his agreement. Messi is the best player in history."

However, it is still rumored that Messi wants to return to his country, and play for his childhood club, Newell's Old Boys, before completing his glorious career in Europe.

Loading...

Subscribe to receive free email updates: