Koeman calm on Messi
The latest information regarding Lionel Messi bodes well for Barcelona supporters with the dream of an extension possibly becoming a reality.
The early signs of confidence in the Argentine’s Catalonian future came from the coach who was interestingly calm regarding questions on his future.
“I am not interested because I do not know if it is true,” Koeman said regarding links to PSG which have festered for some time. “That, in the first instance. And second, I hope that Leo continues with us. We have said it several times. For me he has to finish his career here because he has been here all his life, but it is a decision that Leo has to make.”
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 16: Head Coach Ronald Koeman of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on February 16, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
“I am not concerned at all, I am concerned about tomorrow’s game (against Granada) and winning. What may happen at the end of the season we will see, but today I am not worried.”
Strong and confident words from the Dutchman. Maybe his headstrong thoughts were influenced by what has been ongoing behind the scenes which are coming to light.
Messi’s 2-year contract
With Joan Laporta once again the Barcelona president, a brighter future has been coined with the club.
In a week which saw the club reportedly come close to securing a €500 million sponsorship deal, a positive result on Messi’s contract situation would be the ultimate win this season bar the La Liga title.
🚨 EXCLUSIVA de @10JoseAlvarez 🚨
💰 “LAPORTA está muy cerca de cerrar un PATROCINIO de 500 MILLONES€ para el Barça”
💣”Objetivos: RENOVAR a MESSI y fichar a NEYMAR” pic.twitter.com/rjofripmkD
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) April 28, 2021
Spanish outlet Esport3 claim they have information regarding a meeting between Laporta and Messi about a 2-year contract with a US future and place within the club after he retires.
L’exclusiva de @xavitorresll sobre el futur de Leo Messi
▪ Dos anys més amb rebaixa de sou
▪ Embaixador del Barça als EUA
▪ Un futur càrrec en l’organigramahttps://t.co/dpfZLQNhrR— Esport3 (@esport3) April 28, 2021
The main discussion points were:
- Two more seasons at the Camp Nou
- Barça’s ambassador to the United States
- A position in Barça’s sport structure
With specific mention of David Beckham’s Inter Miami where a reunion with Luis Suarez is touted, Messi’s playing career in Barca would end after two more seasons surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He would then return from the US to join the club’s off-field team and help mould the future of the club.
The idea of Messi playing at another European giant is a difficult image to grasp and a link to the US to finish his career seems more palatable.
The Argentine is synonymous with the club and helping to mould the direction with one of the all-time best players would be a huge asset to the club.
