According to broadcaster Christian Martin, Lionel Messi has decided that he will not be staying at Barcelona past this summer, when the superstar is able to walk away on a free transfer.
Martin reports that the appointment of Joan Laporta as the club’s new president does not change Messi’s stance on his future, with the 33-year-old set to end a 20-year association with the Blaugrana.
It’s added that Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are seen as the options for Messi, with the legendary Argentinian also planning to play in the MLS at a later stage.
Martin could certainly rock the boat with the revealing of this breaking news tonight, just hours before Barcelona face PSG in the second-leg of their Champions League knockout tie, down 4-1.
It seemed impossible to ever imagine Messi playing for a major European club other than Barcelona until last summer, when the six-time Ballon d’Or winner was denied his wish of leaving the club.
Messi has made 765 appearances for the Blaugrana, returning a remarkable contribution of 658 goals and 289 assists as he’s established himself as one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game.