Atletico Madrid could join race to acquire Lionel Messi.
As January comes nearer, one footballer’s future comes back into the spotlight. That footballer being, of course, Lionel Messi. Everyone is eagerly waiting for his decision. Barcelona fans will be pleading with the player to stay while fans of other clubs will be hoping that they can pick up a player like Messi for free.
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Atletico Madrid’s captain, Koke, has recently suggested that Messi should ignore all the other offers and come to Atletico instead. The captain was talking about their match against Real Madrid, which they ultimately went on to lose 2-0, when he started discussing Messi’s future.
In the interview with AS, Koke said that although it will be difficult to bring the six-time Ballon d’Or winner out of his boyhood club, it will not be impossible. Messi is currently seeking a move away from the club and Koke wants to make sure that his club is also an option for Messi.
"“But why not at Atleti? Sometimes talking with friends we laugh a lot and ask ourselves: How would you convince Messi to come to Atletico?”Source Goal"
While Koke admits that Atletico will not be able to provide the same financial benefits that Barcelona are offering, he also believes that sometimes it is not about the money. According to the Spaniard, players want to measure their success not by the amount of money but rather with achievements and winning something for the club that has not been won before.
Messi does have that hunger to win and Atletico are doing quite well in the league currently. Despite their loss in the Madrid derby, Atletico sit on the top of the table with one game in hand. Another factor that could come into play is Luis Suarez, who was let go by Barcelona and picked up by Atletico.
"“Maybe Suarez can convince him, It’s football, we have a great squad, the players we have are spectacular and hopefully it will be a great year in the Champions League for Atleti.”"
While it is unlikely that Messi will ever join a direct rival of Barcelona, it is still possible for the legend to move to a different league. The new president must provide a very systematic development plan to Messi in order to keep him in the Catalan club. Messi has already stated that it is not a sudden decision and that it was a recurring thought. The Barcelona board must sort out the club if they want Messi to even consider staying back for a few more years.
Will Messi leave or stay after this season?