The suspenseful transfer saga of Leo Messi occupied a major part of the break preceding this season, as the forward expressed his desire to leave for greener pastures.
FC Barcelona were only just reeling off an embarrassing defeat at the hands of eventual winners Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie, when it was first reported that the Argentine wanted to leave the club he has been a part of since he was 12 years old.
When a six-time Ballón d’Or winner and one of the greatest players of all time is involved, it is only natural for every club in European football to be interested whether the potential acquisition is realistic or not.
The pair of clubs that pose as the likeliest destinations if Messi indeed decides on leaving the Catalan club are Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the offer to reunite with former manager Pep Guardiola or former teammate Neymar being very attractive for the unsettled Messi, his response to all the speculation in his recent interview with Jordi Evole will be a gesture much appreciated by the Blaugrana faithful.
When interviewer Jordi Evole presented Messi with travel guides to the cities of Manchester and Paris in a recent interview with La Sexta, the Argentine knew it was no friendly coincidence as he politely rejected the gift.
Leo Messi rejected a Manchester and Paris travel guide handed to him by Jordi Évole. pic.twitter.com/w8evbp94Ab
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) December 27, 2020
The gesture would be much appreciated by Barcelona fans who are not willing to part ways with their record goalscorer in a transitional season, as Ronald Koeman seeks to get the team back on the right track after a series of European mishaps in recent seasons.
Messi recently scored his 644th goal for the club since debuting for Barcelona in 2004 and those with the club’s best interests at heart would want the legend to extend his stay at the club before his contract runs out next summer.