Lionel Messi is one of the most talented players to ever play the game, so when he brought his own future in to question by saying, “I don’t know where I’ll be next year” it was bound to send shockwaves throughout the soccer world. The Argentinian superstar has spent the past few years dominating with Barcelona in La Liga but suddenly the speculation is very real that he could leave for another club in Europe.
Messi admitted he would like to finish his career with the club he carved out his legacy with but he also added that soccer has “many twists”. And he also randomly decided to follow Chelsea’s Instagram on Jan. 5, which only furthered speculation.
Until it’s known for certain, the rumors will run rampant, but there’s more to it than just hot air. Here are three key reasons why Messi is even considering leaving Barcelona at the end of this season.
Butting Heads With Luis Enrique
The most obvious reason Messi might leave Barcelona has to do with the reports that he has clashed with manager Luis Enrique and the club’s board in recent weeks. Messi told the media after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid that he has never demanded to be moved but his relationship with Enrique has attracted a lot of attention. There are rumors that Luis Enrique has lost the locker room and it could have something to do with him benching Messi in the 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad just over a week ago.
Regardless of whether or not there is actual angst between the two, the reports are sure to have other clubs around Europe calling to inquire about his availability. It’s gotten to the point where Enrique has had to publicly state that there is no problem and that Messi isn’t planning to leave. However, if behind closed doors Messi is unhappy with the way he is being treated, he is as good as gone.
Barcelona Is Stocked With Strikers
The other aspect of a potential move for Messi is that the team is crowded with talent at his position. Barcelona has assembled a strong striker core over the years and recent additions have changed the club’s outlook up front. The addition of Luis Suarez to a group that already includes Messi and Neymar has created a logjam and they can’t all play the amount of minutes they’d like.
Considering the reports concerning Messi’s unhappiness with the way he has been treated, he could be the one that is eventually moved – even if he’s the most talented of the three. No team wants to wave goodbye to Messi but Barcelona is one that could take the hit. With a wealth of talent up front and the ability to use the money they would save on a potential new deal for Messi, that might be enough to convince them to make the change.
The Bottom Line Is The Bottom Line
Money is the final factor that could influence Messi’s exit from Barcelona as he has reportedly asked for as much as 20 million euros per year. There aren’t many teams with that type of space in the budget that can afford that annual salary but Manchester United and Manchester City are two that would reportedly be interested. It wouldn’t be a major shock if either club is able to get something done.
The buyout fee for Messi’s contract is reportedly set around 250 million euros, so it would take a club that has the money to afford both the fee and a new deal to complete a move. Ultimately it would take both sides agreeing to his exit and for another team to be able to afford Messi in order for a move to be made, but considering the circumstances it looks more likely than not that he’s gone. Camp Nou has become a circus with all of this speculation and usually where there is this much smoke, there is also fire.
