Lionel Messi is forced to stay at Barcelona against his will and wishes

Internal sources confirm that Messi will continue at Barcelona against his will

It was only a matter of a few weeks ago when 33-year-old Lionel Messi of Barcelona broke the internet after it was reported that the player handed in a transfer request. Messi has spent 19 years at the Camp Nou and nobody would ever expect the player to leave.

More from Everything Barca

• FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
• FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
• Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
• FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
• Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid

However, the humiliation in the Champions League knockout stages continued this season, as the Catalans, were thrashed by the Bavarians of Germany. Five seasons have gone since Messi has won the UEFA Champions League and since the night in Berlin in 2015, the Catalans have been sent out of the competition every year in a shameful manner.

For the last few weeks, it seemed like Leo Messi would sign for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. It was rumoured that the English side was willing to offer over 100 million euros plus Eric Garica, Bernardo Silva, and Gabriel Jesus as well.

However, Barca has been stringent with the negotiations as the Catalans will only accept a bid that meets the player’s 700 million euros release clause.

It is now reported that Messi will stay

However, reports from Argentine that were the first to break the news regarding the transfer request, now claim that Messi will continue until the summer of 2021 when his contract is set to expire.

Leo Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, who is also his agent was spotted yesterday in the city of Barcelona to discuss his son’s future with the board. It seems like the meeting has gone to plan as the forward will continue for another year.

What seems to be the case is that Messi and his father have realised that the club will not let the player leave before his contract expires. Which then leaves the forward with no other option but to stay. Upon the completion of his contract next summer, Messi would most likely sign for Manchester City for free.