LIONEL MESSI will ‘most certainly’ go away Barcelona in the summertime, in keeping with presidential candidate Agusti Benedito.
The 56-year-old is hoping to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu within the prime job on the Catalan membership through the elections later this month.
Messi has simply six months remaining on his contractCredit score: AFP OR LICENSORS
Benedito does not maintain out a lot hope of protecting MessiCredit score: EPA
However whereas he admits that retaining Messi could be the ‘greatest information’ for the membership, he’s sensible in his assumptions.
He instructed ESPN: “Retaining Messi could be one of the best information for the membership however I’m not very optimistic.
“Given the membership’s scenario, I feel it is actually essential that he stays at Barca, with the understanding that he understands the subsequent two years now we have in entrance us [could be difficult].
“He is been right here for 20 years; he is a Barcelona fan and I feel he is delicate to the scenario.
“He has given us a lot in the identical method that Barcelona have given him loads and it is time for us all to roll up our sleeves.
“I’d have preferred him to say in his interview the opposite week that his want is to remain on the membership, however he did not and now now we have to attend and see. The reality is I’m pessimistic.
“Keep in mind that in August he stated he needed to go away after 20 years and now he is nonetheless not cleared up what he desires to do.
“The most certainly end result I see is that he leaves us in the summertime.”
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Barca have up to now underachieved beneath Ronald KoemanCredit score: EPA
Since an understated begin to the season by his excessive requirements, Messi, 33, has rolled up his sleeves – scoring ten targets and helping an additional six in 19 outings this season.
However in a latest interview with La Sexta he refused to decide to the membership long run, even opening the door to a move to MLS.
He stated: “I’ve at all times had the dream of taking part in in one other league, in the USA.
“Perhaps it should occur, does not need to be instantly. As we speak I’m simply centered on these subsequent six months.”
A transfer to Manchester Metropolis, reuniting with Pep Guardiola, might present Messi with the right pathway to the US – given the Metropolis Group’s possession of New York Metropolis FC.
Alternatively, he might decide to hyperlink up with compatriot Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.
