Lionel Messi’s future at Barcelona is still by no means certain, with Spanish reports claiming he is considering his options – including Inter – after Ronald Koeman’s arrival.
The Ballon d’Or winner is only under contract until June 2021 and there is reportedly a clause allowing him to leave for free a year early.
Although President Josep Bartomeu is bullish about Messi’s intentions when presenting new coach Koeman, Sport and Marca maintain the situation is not so clear-cut.
Lionel Messi’s future at Barcelona is still by no means certain, with Spanish reports claiming he is considering his options – including Inter – after Ronald Koeman’s arrival.
The Ballon d’Or winner is only under contract until June 2021 and there is reportedly a clause allowing him to leave for free a year early.
Although President Josep Bartomeu is bullish about Messi’s intentions when presenting new coach Koeman, Sport and Marca maintain the situation is not so clear-cut.
Messi is still relatively unconvinced and wants a meeting with the coach before making any final decisions.
Team manager Javier Bordas admitted as much, assuring “if he wants to leave, we’ll try to convince him not to go, but we’re sure that won’t be necessary.”
It doesn’t help that Eric Abidal, the director Messi repeatedly clashed with, ended up resigning rather than being fired.
Inter and Manchester City are the only genuine candidates should Messi leave Barcelona.
The Nerazzurri might even have the upper hand after his father bought a house in Milan, close to the Inter headquarters, so he could benefit from favourable taxation rules on foreign investors.