Lionel Messi ‘records statement revealing he will STAY at Barcelona for one more season’ amid Man City transfer talk

LIONEL MESSI has reportedly recorded a statement confirming he will stay at Barcelona for one more season.

The 33-year-old has been offered a £623million contract to join Manchester City after handing in his transfer request.

Lionel Messi looks set to see out his contract at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But Sphera Sports claim the Argentine has decided to see out his contract at the Nou Camp.

Messi’s father, who is also his agent, jetted to Spain this week for face-to-face talks with the club bosses.

Jorge confirmed the first time on Thursday that the 33-year-old was considering staying.

When asked whether Messi not leaving was a possibility, he said: “Yes.”

Barcelona claim the forward has been on strike after he failed to report for a Covid test and pre-season training.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner demanded to leave the club for free after he handed in his transfer request.

But the club were certain that the clause in his contract allowing him to leave for nothing has expired.

As a result, City lined up an incredible £623m offer to lure the superstar to England.

Pep Guardiola appears to have missed out on the signing of Lionel MessiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The incredible offer would have seen Messi earn £14,2000 an hour, £341,000 per day and £2.4m per week.

Spanish press report Messi will spend another year at Barcelona – where he has scored 634 goals in 731 games.

He will then join Pep Guardiola’s City side next summer when his deal in Spain has expired.

Barcelona will have Lionel Messi for the 2020/21 campaignCredit: AFP or licensors

Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann has expressed his desire for his team-mate to stay.

According to Mundo Deportivo, he said: “We try to have news, but what happens is between the club and him.

“We just hope he stays. We listen to a bit of everything but we don’t know more on our part.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk