Lionel Messi will not seek a transfer from Barcelona, despite his recent spat with the Javier Faus, the economic vice-president of the club.
The Argentine international signed a new contract at the Camp Nou earlier this year, which is designed to tie him to the club until 2018. By that time he will be 31, and there have been suggestions that he could be offered another fresh deal which would virtually ensure he remains in Catalonia for the remainder of his playing career.
However, Faus angered the forward last week when, talking to a radio station, he declared that Messi does not deserve a pay rise. The 26-year-old then responded by claiming the club official knows nothing about football, and in turn, this led to speculation that he could demand a transfer during the summer window at the end of the current season.
His transfer would guarantee a new world record fee, yet this would not dissuade the wealthiest clubs on the planet such as Manchester City and Paris St Germain. However, Messi’s father has now moved to play down the argument between his son and Faus, and has indicated that the player will not be leaving the club anytime soon.
“Barcelona fans must know that Lionel’s future is linked to this club,” Jorge Messi told Diario Ole. “This chapter must be closed now, don’t seek anything more than a direct reply from Leo to the public declarations made by Mr Faus. What has been said has been said and that’s it. When Lionel says something, it becomes news. We don’t want any conflict with the club, nor with the president and certainly not with the fans.”
Messi, who is valued at £120million by website transfermarkt.com, is regarded by many as the best player to have ever graced the game. During his time at Barca he has inspired them to three UEFA Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles, and has won Ballon d’Or four times. In all competitions, he has scored an incredible 327 goals in 395 appearances, and he also has 37 goals from the 83 times he has represented his country.
