A clause in the Barcelona contract of Lionel Messi which would have allowed the Argentine to leave on a free transfer this summer has now expired. The clause expired on 30th May.
There had been speculation that Messi could be reunited with former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, it never seemed likely that Messi would leave this summer.
Not only is Messi one of the best players to ever grace a football field, but he is also now a genuine Barcelona legend. The word legend is thrown around very easily at times for players that often do not deserve the label.
However, in Messi’s case, it is a well-deserved tag. Not only has he produced as an individual, but he has also inspired the team to win numerous trophies in his career in Catalonia.
Despite a few rows with the club’s hierarchy earlier this season, Messi seems to be happy at Barcelona. There have been very few indications that he wishes to leave the reigning Spanish champions in the near future.
He is worshipped at the Catalan club and has had no real reason to leave, as the team have challenged for the biggest trophies in the game in recent years. There are few clubs in the game that can offer him such a guarantee of silverware in the European game.
Lionel Messi’s Barcelona contract expires next summer. However, president Josep Maria Bartomeu has suggested that the 32-year-old could be handed a deal for the rest of his career, like that bestowed on Andres Iniesta before his move to Japanese football.
It is hard to see Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona next summer and he could stay with the Catalan giants for years to come.
Will Lionel Messi leave Barcelona next summer?