THERE was a blow for Argentina in an intimate interview that Lionel Messi gave to Spanish TV channel La Sexta, filmed before Christmas and broadcast on Sunday.
Messi made no mention of any plan, or even dream, of rounding off his career back in Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys, his boyhood club in the city where he was born, Rosario.
Lionel Messi sat down with Spanish TV channel and outlined his future plans in an intimate interview
This was an idea he once used to float, but it now seems far from his thoughts.
He came across very much as a man of Barcelona, the city which has moulded him since the age of 13 and which seems sure to be his long term home.
Indeed, he did mention a rival destination; he has pondered the idea of experiencing life in the United States.
This revelation sent social media into overdrive.
Some saw it as a confirmation that his short term future would lie with Manchester City, and that after a spell reunited with Pep Guardiola in the Premier League he could use City’s transatlantic connections to ease his way into Major League Soccer.
All of this may be true – but it is by no means clear that things will work out that way.
The reference to the United States was made in passing, and he stressed that there was no plan in place.
Indeed, his desire to live in the country may have nothing to do with football at all.
He may imagine it as a place where he can enjoy a kind of anonymity which is impossible in his normal life.
“There are times when I would like to be anonymous,” he said, “to not have 300 eyes trained on me, to be able to go to the supermarket, the cinema or to a restaurant.”
Many big name players have enjoyed being able to wander free in the USA, though it is far from clear that someone as prominent as Messi would be able to pass unnoticed.
There was no clear statement of where his short term destiny might lie. Messi made it clear that he is fully committed to Barcelona until the end of the season.
Messi could join Mauricio Pochettino at PSG, who is expected to take over the reigns from the sacked Thomas TuchelCredit: EPA
But he is obviously very displeased with the club’s previous administration, and far from convinced, in their current financial position, that Barcelona can form a team good enough to challenge for the Champions League for a while.
So what does he want? Is he prepared to be part of a rebuilding process? He is already carrying out a similar role with the Argentina national team, so why should he do the same at club level?
He can’t change his country. But in the summer he can choose his club.
His family would love him to stay. The chance of his old friend Xavi taking over might be an incentive as well – although the financial problems are not going to disappear whoever is in charge.
The Argentine sports daily ‘Ole!’ believes that Paris Saint Germain are in pole position – and it is easy to see why that view makes sense.
Messi still has a magnificent range of talents, but at 33 and a half he is in physical decline, losing the kick of acceleration to take him away from markers.
The draining challenge of the Premier League may well have come a couple of years too late.
PSG, on the other hand, can offer him more than a reunion with his great friend Neymar.
Should Messi opt for PSG he will rejoin pal NeymarCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Messi and Neymar enjoyed a telepathic relationship at BarcelonaCredit: Rex Features
In France he could coast a little through the league, saving himself for what really matters to him – three or four more attempts at the Champions League and one last crack at the World Cup.
PSG’s decision to sack coach Thomas Tuchel may be part of the process – clearing the way for Mauricio Pochettino, a fellow Argentine who grew up close to Rosario, came through the ranks at Newell’s and made his life in Europe.
Fellow Argentine star Angel Di Maria has also done his best to try to entice Messi to Paris.
The interview with La Sexta makes it less likely that Lionel Messi will be wearing the red and black of Newell’s – but perhaps more probable that he might soon be coached by one of their old boys.
Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
