Lionel Messi vetoes Barcelona’s approach for Gerard Pique’s replacement

Barcelona had considered signing a potential Gerard Pique replacement from the Serie A’s best defensive team this season, however, Lionel Messi vetoed the move.

Nepotism and favouritism have always been an issue in football clubs once they give too much importance to an individual, in Barcelona such is the case with their Argentine captain Lionel Messi.

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As the board plan to conduct a complete revamp next season from every department of the club, Lionel Messi’s continuous intervention and outrageous demands have slowed down the entire revamp operation.

Although Lionel Messi might be Barcelona’s greatest legend and the best footballer the world has ever seen, his focus must be on the field rather than managerial decisions. The Blaugrana had considered signing a talented defender from the world’s most tactical defensive league as a replacement for Gerard Pique, however, Lionel Messi has already vetoed the possible move and the board has no other option but to listen to their greatest ever player, according to Don Balon.

Quique Setien has requested the board to reinforce the defensive line next season to ensure stability and solidity throughout the season. Gerard Pique is no longer the same defensive mastermind he once was with Puyol. The 33-year old World Cup winner has not aged well at all, therefore the club has considered signing an alternative as neither Samuel Umtiti or Clement Lenglet have the quality to do so.

The club officials had considered signing Luiz Felipe from Lazio, the Italian team has run riot this season in the Serie A as they currently are a point short of heading the table and have the least number of goals against them in the league, such is the quality of the defensive line of Lazio where Luiz Felipe has been an important figure.

Lionel Messi believes that the Serie A defender lacks experience as he only played 19 games so far in the Italian league and his lack of experience could be an issue for him to settle down at the Camp Nou.

Josep Maria Bartomeu has no other option but to close all negotiations with the Lazio defender, as he does not want another major fall out in the club that took place a few months ago before the suspension of all leagues.