LIONEL MESSI proved his still has Barcelona blood running through his veins during the club’s dramatic win over Sevilla.
The Catalan giants appeared to be crashing out of the Copa del Rey semi-final until the dying seconds of the contest.
Lionel Messi showed real passion while celebrating Pique’s equaliserCredit: Rex Features
Fans believe Messi will stay at Barcelona next seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
With Ronald Koeman’s men trailing 2-1 on aggregate, defender Gerard Pique headed in Antoine Griezmann’s cross deep into added time.
Martin Braithwaite then sent the hosts into the final with a strike in extra-time against their nine-men opponents.
And Messi’s celebration for Pique’s equaliser could have put any doubts of his unhappiness at the Nou Camp to bed.
The Argentine was seen jumping for joy, pumping his fists on the edge of the box before sprinting over to his team-mates in celebration.
It was an image of pure emotion to leave Messi within one game of picking up his 21st major piece of Barcelona silverware.
Messi’s future has constantly been the hot topic of conversation with his £500,000-a-week contract expiring at the end of the season.
He was forced to stay at the club last summer after handing in a transfer request but will be free to leave at the end of the season.
Both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be keeping close tabs on his availability.
Barcelona booked their spot in the Copa del Rey finalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
SunSport understands Pep Guardiola’s side are putting aside a stunning £433m package to lure Messi to reunite with his old boss at the Etihad.
However fans believe the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will now sign a new deal at stay at Barcelona.
One said: “All the PSG and Man City fans can go weep. Messi isn’t going anywhere.”
Another wrote: “Messi’s celebration last night tells you everything about the bloke. GOAT.”
A third added: “He looks happy and determined to win, haven’t seen so much defensive work from him all the while being the key player in the attack too. The celebration at the end sums it up.”
Lionel Messi stuns Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia by asking for his shirt after Barcelona’s 3-0 LaLiga win
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
