LIONEL MESSI has reportedly told new boss Ronald Koeman that he does NOT see his future at Barcelona.
Catalan radio RAC1 claims Messi dropped the bombshell during crunch talks with Koeman just one day after the Dutchman’s arrival.
Lionel Messi has told Ronald Koeman he does not see his future at BarcelonaCredit: Manu Fernandez
Messi apparently ended his summer holiday early for the heart-to-heart on Thursday.
And the legendary forward added that he sees himself more “out of the club than in it.”
Messi has long been thought to be unhappy at Barcelona following turmoil on and off the pitch.
Their meek surrender of LaLiga to Real Madrid, coupled with a humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, saw both boss Quique Setien and director of football Eric Abidal axed.
Messi has just one year left on his Catalan contract.
And even though Barca president Josep Bartomeu said on Tuesday that he will be staying put, Messi is thought to be giving serious consideration to leaving.
Manchester City are reportedly interested as Pep Guardiola ponders a stunning Premier League reunion.
But Europa League finalists Inter Milan are the favourites to sign Messi should he leave.
It’s no secret that Barcelona are keen on Lautaro Martinez and could be tempted to do a deal following Messi’s reported revelation.
Barca fans now face an anxious wait to see if their club’s recent internal and external woes really will result in the loss of arguably world football’s best-ever player.
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman says he doesn’t know if he has to convince Messi to stay
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
