Transfer Centre

Lionel Messi 'intends to stay at Barcelona'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 February 2020

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi reportedly has no intention of leaving the club despite the recent public fallout with sporting director Eric Abidal.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi reportedly has no intention of leaving the club despite growing speculation over his long-term future at Camp Nou.

The 32-year-old rarely comments on club affairs in public, but earlier this he week spoke out against sporting director Eric Abidal after claims that some players had fallen out with former manager Ernesto Valverde, leading to his sacking.

Messi urged Abidal to "give names" in order to back up his accusations, and the uncharacteristic nature of his comments has led to reports that he could look to leave the club he has represented his entire career.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have all reportedly been monitoring the situation, but Sky Sports News claims that Messi still intends to stay with Barcelona until at least the end of his current contract.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's deal expires next year, although it contains a clause which enables Messi to leave for free any summer he wants as long as he gives the club one month's notice.

However, Messi is thought to be open to discussing a contract extension on a rolling year-by-year basis, while Barcelona want to offer their talisman a new multi-year deal.

Messi has scored 622 goals in 712 first-team appearances for the Spanish giants and is one of the most decorated players of all time, winning 34 trophies with Barcelona including 10 league titles and four Champions League crowns.