Barcelona legend says it hurts that Lionel Messi can leave

Former Barcelona star Rafael Marquez is not exactly thrilled about club legend and veteran Lionel Messi potentially leaving the club in the future. Marquez has shared his thoughts and concerns over this particular situation recently and his intentions are clearly favored towards the 33-year-old playmaker staying put at the Nou Camp. The former Catalan legend has stated that he will not be happy if the magician is to leave the Nou Camp. He has revealed that the whole idea of Messi leaving the club potentially this summer, “hurts a lot.”

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As of now, there has been no official talks of a new contract for Lionel Messi. If this situation continues in this manner, the Argentine will be a free agent by the upcoming summer transfer window of 2021.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has stated multiple times that the player is happy and settled at the Catalan capital as of now and that no team has been in contact with the player so far, even though there are many reports heavily linking Messi to other teams. According to many sources, the player is waiting for the season to end and then make a decision on his future. As of now, he is completely focused on Barcelona and their current season.

"“It would be nice if he stayed to finish his career”, said Rafael Marquez.Source Goal"

He also stated that there’s no certainty to the fact that he is going to stay or leave. The former Blaugrana star believes that Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers on this planet.

Ever since the Argentine handed in a transfer request during the summer of 2020, he has been heavily linked to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. Especially the Premier League giants, obviously due to Pep Guardiola’s presence.

Surprisingly, the City manager who has a rule of not staying more than 4 years at a single club, extended for two more years at the Etihad last year. Hence, a potential move away for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to the Premier League will certainly be thrilling. However, it is clear that it will not be easy for anyone, be it the fans, ex-players, current players, and the staff, if Lionel Messi is to depart his boyhood club.

What will Barca’s future be without Messi?