Here's what Lionel Messi said on his possible Barcelona exit
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has been subject to a possible exit from the Spanish club after club president Josep Maria Bartomeu had claimed the former's contract has the clause. Moreover, an ordinary start to the season for the club has triggered the speculation that the Argentine could indeed be on his way out. Meanwhile, here's what Messi said on being asked about it.
My idea is to stay here forever: Messi
"If they want me, I am delighted. My idea is to stay here forever. It has always been like this and remains the same way; nothing has changed," Messi was quoted as saying, following Barca's 4-0 win over Sevilla last week.
Messi's contract clause states to leave for free next summer
It was reported in 2017 that Messi had then signed a fresh four-year deal with Barcelona, which would see him stay with the club until 2021. However, Barca president Bartomeu has confirmed that there is a shocking clause in his contract, which states that if Messi wants, he can leave the club for free, following the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.
Messi has the right to do whatever he wants: Bartomeu
Meanwhile, club president Bartomeu also speculated that Messi could even retire following the conclusion of his contract at Barca. "Before the last season, 2020-21, he can leave Barcelona, retire from football or play where he likes. It is a right that he has earned like Xavi Iniesta," Bartomeu had further told Barca TV last month.
Messi could join MLS's Inter Miami: Reports
Following the report of his rumored exit from Barca, there were reports that linked him to USA's Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami, owned by English legend David Beckham. However, Messi was quick enough to clear the air on the same and has said that he has no intention of leaving as of now, and would look to continue at Barca.
Will Messi eventually quit Barca?
Questions have often been raised about Messi's possibility of leaving Barca, which has turned out to be mere rumors so far. While this may come as the strongest indication, of Messi eventually quitting Barca, the author feels there is no reason for Messi to do so. However, there is no harm either for him to try new challenges and prove that he's the GOAT.
