Lionel Messi will see out his current Barcelona contract despite rumors revolving his departure after a dispute with Sporting Director, Eric Abidal.
Sky Sports reports that sources close to Messi insist that the Argentine international is not planning to leave Barcelona this summer, and at the very least will see through his current contract that runs until 2021.
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The report further claims that the Barca captain is willing to negotiate another contract extension, but would prefer to play on a yearly contract basis. The Catalan giants, however, are hoping to secure the Argentine’s services in a multi-year contract. Blaugrana hierarchy will sit with Messi’s agent, Jorge, and his father presumably after May to discuss his future.
The feud with Eric Abidal had sparked many reports suggesting Leo’s departure in the summer due to an existing clause in his current contract allowing him to leave the club for free. Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and even his former club, Newell’s Old Boys, were all among the rumored destinations for the 32-year-old.
Sky Sports News was reportedly told that Leo as a Barca captain felt the obligation to speak in his and his fellow teammate’s defense. He also wanted to let Abidal know that publically criticizing the players will not be beneficial to anyone, while also trying to display that he is not the one calling all the shots at the Nou Camp.
How long would you want to see Lionel Messi in a Blaugrana shirt?