It’s hard to imagine Lionel Messi playing for another team than Barcelona. Yet there are tensions in the air, tensions that could potentially lead to the legendary player’s departure, as well as the highest transfer in football history. There are two outcomes to the current contractual stand-off: either Barca or another team will offer an unbelievable amount for the Argentinian player. Recent developments show that Barcelona is preparing to offer a 200 million euro deal to Messi for a 5 year period, a deal that would translate to earnings of 40 million euros per year. That’s more than most of us would be able to spend in an life-time, yet Lionel Messi believes it’s not nearly enough.
Is this is a sign of arrogance, or just a successful attitude towards business? Messi is among the world’s most valuable players, there’s no doubt. The only player to rival him in terms of monetary value would be Real Madrid’s Ronaldo. So is Messi justified in asking for more? It’s possible, especially since there are definitely prestigious clubs that would be willing to pay more for the Argentinian. Will Messi leave then? It’s hard to predict, but Barcelona’s current transfer ban might cause difficulties. Money isn’t exactly a problem for the Catalans either. They have the resources and should (at least on paper) have the motivation to keep Messi for as long as possible.
What’s going to happen? Will the club just shrug it off and try to do without him, selling Messi to PSG or perhaps Manchester United? There are few teams that currently have the finances to afford Messi. Real is out of the question, and Bayern isn’t showing signs of interest, despite Guardiola having a rich history with the Argentinian. Are Messi’s demands outrageous? Granted, the player is still young enough (he’s currently 26), but his performance seems to have diminished this season. Would more money be a proper motivation? Time will tell if Barca is ready to fork out the cash and keep the valuable player, or profit while he’s still worth so much and pass him on.
What are your predictions?