With the final months of the 20/21 season approaching, Lionel Messi is set to become the most valuable free agent at the end of the campaign. That, of course, is considering that Messi is not convinced by the new project at Barcelona when the new President is elected and they do not reach an agreement regarding a contract extension.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the two clubs that have been the most heavily linked in securing the Argentinian’s services if he does indeed go on to leave Barcelona. The main reason that these links are believable is because only these two clubs have the financial backing to go ahead and sign Messi on the humongous wage that he is on.
However, despite Pep Guardiola’s relationship with Leo Messi and City’s financial strength, the Manchester Blues have dismissed claims that they offered the 6-time Ballon d’Or winner a £430 million contract over five years.
In reality, the club is yet to enter negotiations with Messi regarding a contract at the club. Moreover, Barcelona themselves have not yet made up their mind regarding the player’s future at Camp Nou either.
Former Chelsea man Joe Cole has criticised the Argentinian regarding his attitude on the pitch in Barcelona’s recent 4-1 defeat to PSG in the Champions League:
‘Messi looked disinterested. It’s really hard for any ex-player to criticise him because he’s a genius and the greatest player I’ve seen play football but tonight he didn’t look like he was emotionally engaged in the game.
‘You’d have to do your due diligence before you sign Messi. The 34-year-old Messi, if he plays like that it will be a gamble. To take him into a club where Pep relies on energy, enthusiasm, togetherness.
‘It’s a mess at Barca, I don’t know how they’re going to sort it out. I can’t see Messi staying there.
Messi is not happy with the current situation at Barcelona, and that is concerning from the point of view of Barcelona fans, who have come to associate the club so strongly with the legendary player.
