For the legions of Barcelona diehards and fans around the world nervous with anxiety that their club talisman and skipper Lionel Messi could be leaving Catalonia this summer, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now so they can start to breathe easy again and go about their merry ways.
Despite flurries of reports and rumors continuing to swirl surrounding the future of iconic superstar Messi – whom many have long regarded as the best soccer player the world has ever seen – the diminutive Argentina captain is engrossed with helping his beloved nation in the Copa America tournament over in Brazil, with his contract situation with Barcelona in a state of flux.
However, according to ever-reliable transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, it’s looking like a tenable solution is already being reached. As per Romano, Messi and the top brass at Camp Nou have come to terms on a contract extension running through the 2022- This comes as most welcome news for all who support the La Liga and the Catalonian giants. Messi has been with the Barcelona senior team since 2004, with more than 500 appearances 23 season.
to date and won innumerable trophies with the club, including La Liga, the Champions League and more.
Although there’s no denying there’s been plenty of issues between him and the team’s earlier batch of executives, prior to Joan Laporta’s comeback as president, Barcelona has struggled mightily in recent years during transfer windows, which has earned the displeasure of Messi. Last summer, when push came to shove, the Board under former president Josep Maria Bartomeu unceremoniously kicked Luis Suarez out the door, incurring the wrath of Messi. Suarez joined Atletico Madrid and ultimately played a major role in helping the club win the league title this spring, stunning Barcelona fans and his critics alike.
Messi has been linked with potential moves to Manchester City, PSG and other powerhouse clubs. Unfortunately for the supporters of those teams, Messi appears set on continuing his career in Barcelona with the organization he loves so much.
At least for another season until the storms of speculation brew again.