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The future of Lionel Messi is ‘closer’ to Manchester City than Barcelona. That according to Madrid correspondent, Sergio Gonzales.
Does that mean anything? No, not really. We all know the pursuit of Messi is and will be intense, bit withy Paris throwing their name in the ring it could get hairy.
Another report has Messi’s new contract with City could reach high numbers, but not as high as before -
The value of the contract offer from #ManCity for Lionel Messi has been reduced - it is now around €500M over the next 8-10 years. The offer is based upon: Up to three years @ManCity, playing in the MLS, and becoming a City Football Group ambassador.
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) February 16, 2021
[@garbosj/@TransferPodcast]
The rumors will continue swirling, but I don’t think Messi will truly decide until after the Barcelona presidency is decided. That could be as soon as the end of next month. Messi is still a superstar player and being a part of City’s system rather than being Barca’s focal point would do him wonders. As will a reunion with Pep Guardiola.
Either way, it seems likely the Messi situation gets resolved one way or another before the window opens in June.
Thoughts on the new reports?