For fans or admirers of the Spanish football club, Barcelona, of course, will be familiar with the name of the mega star, Lionel Messi. Yes, within a decade, Messi’s role in the Catalan club (another name for Barcelona) is truly irreplaceable.
Since his debut with Barcelona in 2004, various individual awards have resulted in him being won. Call it the Ballon d’Or which he won six times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016). This achievement also placed Messi as the first footballer who was able to win the most prestigious award and was coveted by all world footballers.
Even in terms of expertise in breaking the opponent’s goal, Messi is still the best. The player born in Rosario, Argentina was able to win the award as top scorer in Europe’s top league competition (Golden Shoe) six times. Namely, in 2009/2010, 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019.
In addition to the two prestigious awards for world footballers, there are many more individual titles that he won, both at domestic and international levels. As for the club that has greatly raised its name, Barcelona. He has presented a number of titles. At least until now, 34 titles have been successfully presented. For example, 10 titles as La Liga champions, six Copa del Rey, eight Spanish Super Cups, four European Champions League, three European Super Cups and three Club World Cups.
With a number of achievements or awards, whether individual or club, it is very natural that Messi is validated as Barcelona’s living legend. In fact, not a few observers and football lovers who suspect that Messi will spend his career with Barcelona until retirement. But, apparently this conjecture might be wrong. Because, it was rumored that Lionel Messi had told Neymar about his plans to leave Barcelona.
This news originated from the events that occurred between Messi and Neymar, a former colleague of his time in Barcelona. When the 2019 summer bazaar opened, word got out, the louse persuaded the player who was currently playing for the French club, PSG, via WhatsApp to return to the Catalan club.
Both of these players do have closeness when playing together with Barcelona for four years. However, eventually the rumors evaporated as the trading session closed. Nevertheless, a new issue emerged after France Football leaked the contents of Messi’s message to Neymar last year. In the chat, Messi said when he would leave Barcelona. “I want you to come back. I will leave in two years and you must take over my place,” Messi’s message told Neymar.
If true, it means that Messi will leave the giant Catalunya in 2021 or at the age of 34 years. If only the opportunity arrived, about where the super star will move?
First possiblity is Manchester City. A football club from the English Premier League could be Messi’s last port in his football career. However, even then with a note, the coach is still held by Pep Guardiola. Why? The world football community may have been a witness, that Pep was Messi’s coach at Barcelona. In fact, in the cold hands of Pep also Barcelona had brought to the top of the triumph of European and world football.
In the 2008/2009 season, Pep with his tiki takanya style was able to present six trophies at once. Namely, the La Liga Cup, European Champions League Cup, Coppa de Rey, European Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup and Club World Cup. Well, the style of attacking with short balls from foot to foot is believed to be liked by Messi. Conversely, Pep must have understood very well, how to place Messi in the pattern of his game.
While the second team that allows visited by Messi is a childhood club in his country Argentina, Newell’s Old Boys. This club became Messi’s dream when closing his football career. Newell’s Old Boys is indeed the place where little Messi started his dream of becoming a world-class footballer. Memories that are so attached to the city club Rosario, Argentina, it makes Messi think to end his professional career there.
Although this plan is difficult to realize due to family reasons, which are already at home in Barcelona. It is not impossible, in the end will return home too. When interviewed by the Argentina television station, TyC Sports, Messi stated that Barcelona had given everything to his family. “I dreamed I could play at Newell’s in Argentina, but I don’t know whether it will realistically happen because I have a family that precedes my wishes,” Messi said. “That is the reality that I dreamed of since I was a child, but I have a family, I have three children, I live in a place that gives me everything and calmness, and I can give my children a spectacular future,” he said.
ASL
