In a recent press conference, Ronald Koeman has stated that Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi is staying at Barcelona, saying: “No, I don’t see him outside the club and I won’t say any more about this. I won’t take any more questions on Leo’s future.”
Koeman Expects Lionel Messi Stay
Turbulent Times at Barcelona
This is after a turbulent summer in which Messi stated his desire to leave Barcelona after spending his whole career there. Ultimately he stayed in what was one of the biggest stories of the summer.
Joining at 14, Messi has gone on to become Barcelona’s greatest player. He has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Barcelona. However, in recent times the club has gone through trouble. Both on and off the pitch, results have been poor. With Barcelona suffering multiple embarrassing moments in the Champions League, finished off by an 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich last season, enough was seemingly enough for Messi.
After Lionel Messi ultimately decided to stay, the hugely unpopular Josep Maria Bartomeu decided to resign. With him leaving, many hope that Messi will now stay at the Blaugrana. However, it is not as simple as this. The Argentinean still has to be convinced that Barcelona can provide him with a winning sporting project. The fact that Messi is 33 years old means that he has no time to stick around for a rebuild over the next few seasons.
Ronald Koeman knows that without his talisman, all his hopes of succeeding in Barcelona are gone. With new elections looming, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner might stay in Barcelona. Nevertheless, he will take convincing that Barcelona can provide him with a winning sporting project. Although for now, Koeman is stating that he will stay put at the Camp Nou.
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