Lionel Messi sends his transfer list to Barcelona as contract renewal complicates

Lionel Messi warms up against Celta Vigo. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi warms up against Celta Vigo. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona continue dealing with complications in their biggest objective.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi had a great game against Villarreal as two assists saw the Catalans keep the pressure on Real Madrid in La Liga, with a thumping 4-1 success at the Estadio de la Ceramica. However, it’s clear that the title is the Whites’ to lose and the Blaugrana only have the Champions League as a hope to finish the season with silverware.

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Quique Setien is likely to last until the European Cup commences after managing to survive against the Yellow Submarine following Barca’s win. Despite playing some beautiful football, the Catalans’ chances of winning any trophies by the end of the season are slim and their biggest worry remains the contract renewal of Lionel Messi.

Talks suggested that the Argentina international would be ready to depart the club should they not meet his transfer demands as well as make a change in the dugout. Moreover, it was thought that Josep Maria Bartomeu would have to vacate his role to keep the club’s talisman happy and prevent his departure which would create catastrophe at Catalonia.

Diario GOL has now reported that Lionel Messi could grow all the more distant from Barcelona if they are unable to meet his demanded signings. Having said that, the 33-year-old wants to see a marked change in proceedings at the club and has now placed a list of transfers that he wants to see during the summer.

Several issues have to be addressed by the Blaugrana.

First, Messi wants the defensive problems to be addressed. The Blaugrana have conceded 36 league goals this season, a rather poor number, and Gerard Pique’s age has been a factor. The Blaugrana have been asked to sign a player with similar stature and physicality as the Spaniard in the upcoming months.

Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto have also failed to deliver down the right so the urgency of a right-back has been highlighted by Lionel Messi. With that said, the player also wants an overhaul of the midfield, more importantly signalling the need for a replacement to Sergio Busquets. Messi is also unhappy with Pjanic being signed and wants another young midfielder.

Finally, he believes that the scoring problems will persist as long as the left-wing continues  being occupied by substandard players. Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho have all failed in proving their credentials, meaning that Neymar’s return is perhaps the only choice that’s on Barca’s hands to keep Messi happy.

Lautaro Martinez doesn’t seem to be a player of much importance to Messi now that Luis Suarez has picked up form. However, given their financial situation and a low transfer budget, it’s hard to see the club being able to sign all the players in accordance with their star man’s wishes.

Next. Barca attempt to sign Neymar by offering two stars. dark

Do you think Barcelona would be able to meet all of Messi’s pre-contract demands?