LIONEL MESSI has been urged to sign a new Barcelona deal by an unlikely source… Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
The Argentinian international is reportedly considering his future at the Nou Camp with his contract at the club set to expire in 2021.
Real Madrid gaffer Zinedine Zidane believes Lionel Messi should commit his future to Barcelona
And there has already been speculation at what club he could possibly join, with Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Newell’s Old Boys all potential destinations.
It has been claimed that Messi has already ended contract negotiations with the Blaugrana having been left furious by a series of rows with the board.
Messi has signed eight contract extensions at Barca since 2005, but the unthinkable could happen next year with the forward to depart.
However Zidane believes Los Blancos’ nemesis should remain in Catalonia – despite him being their main threat in LaLiga.
Speaking after Real’s 1-0 win against Getafe on Thursday in which Madrid moved four points clear of Barcelona at the top of the table, Zidane stated the league cannot afford to lose his quality.
He said: “I don’t know what will happen but we hope not because he is in this league and we want the best in this league.”
Messi has been a thorn in the side of Real Madrid ever since he burst on the scene during the 2004/05 season.
In 43 games against the 13-time European Cup champions, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 26 goals and chipped in with 14 assists.
He has been on the winning side 19 times, and has lost just ten games in El Clasico.
Lionel Messi set to quit Barcelona in 2021 when contract ends
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
