LIONEL MESSI shocked the footballing world by announcing he wants to leave the Barcelona after two decades.
The Argentine superstar, 33, has been left demoralised after a sub-par season and a fall-out with club brass, including president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Messi sits behind only Akinfeev in the list of most loyal stars in Europe
Lionel Messi looks finally set to leave Barcelona after 19 years at the club – and nearly 17 years in the first-team
Manchester City are the favourites to land his signature, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan also keen.
But fans certainly can’t give Messi a hard time about him leaving.
After all, the legendary winger has given his all to Barca.
During his near-two decades in the club – from youth set-up to first-term – Messi has spent close to 17 years in the first-team.
Since making his debut, the Argentine has been at the club for 16 years, seven months and 25 days.
That incredible run is the second-longest streak in European football amongst current players – behind only CSKA Moscow legend Igor Akinfeev.
The Russian – a former legend amongst Football Manager fans – has exactly one year on Messi, at 17 years, seven months and 25 days at the Moscow giants.
Messi sits joint-second on the list, level with West Ham captain Mark Noble.
Celta Vigo star Sergio Alvarez is the only other player on the list to have spent more than 16 years at a single club.
Jessy Moulin (Saint-Etienne), Francesco Magnanelli (Sassuolo) and Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus) have all spent 15 years, one month and 26 days at their respective clubs.
Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos (14y, 11m, 26d) and Zulte Waregem ace Sammy Bossut (14y, 1m, 26d) are the only other players to break the 14-year barrier.
Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
