Lionel Messi asks Barcelona to pursue surprise alternative to Lautaro Martinez
Barcelona captain Lionel Messi would like his club to sign one of Europe’s most experienced strikers ahead of primary target, Lautaro Martinez.
La Liga’s fate is no more under Barcelona’s control after they conceded twice to Real Madrid in an eventual defeat on Sunday, thereby letting slip of top spot by a point. While the midfield was dead, the Catalans managed to create their fair share of chances, but there was nobody on target for them as several of their opportunities went begging.
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Gerard Pique was quick in pointing fingers at a Real Madrid side who he claimed was the worst that he had seen in the first half, but that does not take anything away from the Merengues’ phenomenal second half display. Moreover, things would have been different if the Catalans capitalized on their wholesome shots in the first 45 minutes.
Antoine Griezmann missed a practical sitter from close to the penalty spot and Luis Suarez was missed in the box. Relying on Lionel Messi for the goods was always going to be costly for the Blaugrana and they have now realised how much they lack if their all-time top goal scorer has a poor night in front of the goal posts.
Don Balon has reported that Lionel Messi has himself asked the club to sign Mauro Icardi from Inter Milan. The striker is currently on loan at Paris Saint-Germain where he is enjoying an amazing campaign and is the first-choice player ahead of Edinson Cavani. PSG will almost certainly exercise their option of wanting to sign him, but a lot depends on the player too.
Initially, Inter Milan’s current striker and lethal finisher Lautaro Martinez was tipped to have been on the Catalans’ radar. Antonio Conte however, would be extremely keen on holding onto the player going into the next season following his performances, plus a 110 million euros’ release could be enough to put any suitor off.
Real Madrid too are interested in the Argentina international, so it makes Barca’s pursuit all the more difficult. Furthermore, Lionel Messi believes that Mauro Icardi has the experience to lead the Barca line, something which Martinez lacks at least as of now, and so does their other alternate to him- Timo Werner of RB Leipzig.
Messi and Icardi are thought to have been on bad terms since ages now, but if the latter ends up joining the Camp Nou outfit then he may receive frequent national team call-ups as well, in addition to repairing his relationship with the Barca ace. Icardi was a La Masia product, so he knows how Barcelona works and hence, settling in wouldn’t be an issue.