Lionel Messi | Joins Inter Miami (pg4111)

[Coatigan]

The idea was fun whilst it lasted. I simply cannot see the first act of a new President/board to be telling the fan base that they will not be renewing Messi’s contract

It’s inconceivable to me

It really is now very much up to messi.

I don't think he will leave. Doesn't matter whether its for us or anywhere else.

However if he really does want to leave, A, nothing they can do about it, january pre contract OR summer, b) the new board can spin it however they want. Damage was already done, they are doing right by a club legend unlike the previous board, they are getting some cash in rather than losing hin for free (if it is january), etc etc.

But the most likely scenario will be 'convincing' him to stay, and arguing the previous board almost lost him but they managed to keep him with theor exciting new project.

 

[Matt the Giant]

A serious question, and maybe you can answer this, @FCBarca? Or anyone, of course.

Isn't it plausible that the club actually makes the decision to start the rebuild for a future without the likes of Messi, Busquet, Pyol etc? I mean, that has to happen anyway, sooner rather than later.
So, even though Messi would be your top player for surely a few more seasons, couldn't it be an option to move on from a glorious past and focus on the future? That will take time and investment, of course.

Genuinely interested in this, as Messi at Barcelona represents possibly the most well known player-club partnership in football history.

 

[mccity]

I reckon this has all been one great big smokescreen. The person City wanted all along was Bartomeu, and now that we've helped free him he is all ours!

 

[FCBarca]

@Matt the Giant

Absolutely it's possible. I have made no prediction much less weighed in on what Leo should do now. In August, I advocated him coming to City but of course I did not foresee us arriving to this point which is fairly ideal IMHO. Could it tilt things in favor of Messi staying? Absolutely because Leo's frustration wasn't simply about not winning but that the board in place (Barto et al) had no intention of course correcting in a way that would improve the future of the club. Equally, he may have already decided to leave for free anyway irrespective of what happens in the club politics. My opinion on that is say for example Barto had resigned 3 years ago, another board/President would've helped to course correct the club in a manner where I would not see Leo even wanting to leave irrespective of their trophies. This is to say, his August declaration was not simply about failing to win trophies recently but the cumulative headache of dealing with Bartomeu's way of running/ruining the club & attacking the players etc

I think a future without Leo, all things being equal, is one where the player either lacks the desire to play competitively or is unable to play at a sufficient level to be a protagonist and leaves/retires - this is what most of the club's legends have done as well (Guardiola, Xavi, Iniesta & Puyol)

I do not, however, see any of these candidates (Apart from Roche (Rosell)) advocating for Messi leaving to rebuild but rather to rebuild with him

 

[SPIDERBOY]

Could it not be seen as a good will gesture from the new president to let him go?
I know that sounds strange,but after what he's done and achieved for the club.....Did'nt quite a few of the fans think he should of been let go?

 

[Coatigan]

Could it not be seen as a good will gesture from the new president to let him go?
I know that sounds strange,but after what he's done and achieved for the club.....Did'nt quite a few of the fans think he should of been let go?

If he wants to leave, yes, they can certainly claim it so. This really will show how serious he is/was about leaving.

 

[Cityinmud]

Could it not be seen as a good will gesture from the new president to let him go?
I know that sounds strange,but after what he's done and achieved for the club.....Did'nt quite a few of the fans think he should of been let go?

There is no letting him go now. His contract will be over. It will be his decision solely.

 

[SPIDERBOY]

There is no letting him go now. His contract will be over. It will be his decision solely.

Yeah,that's what I mean......no mithering him to sign a new one,basically saying,"ok Leo,if that's what you want"

 

[Matt the Giant]

@Matt the Giant

Absolutely it's possible. I have made no prediction much less weighed in on what Leo should do now. In August, I advocated him coming to City but of course I did not foresee us arriving to this point which is fairly ideal IMHO. Could it tilt things in favor of Messi staying? Absolutely because Leo's frustration wasn't simply about not winning but that the board in place (Barto et al) had no intention of course correcting in a way that would improve the future of the club. Equally, he may have already decided to leave for free anyway irrespective of what happens in the club politics. My opinion on that is say for example Barto had resigned 3 years ago, another board/President would've helped to course correct the club in a manner where I would not see Leo even wanting to leave irrespective of their trophies. This is to say, his August declaration was not simply about failing to win trophies recently but the cumulative headache of dealing with Bartomeu's way of running/ruining the club & attacking the players etc

I think a future without Leo, all things being equal, is one where the player either lacks the desire to play competitively or is unable to play at a sufficient level to be a protagonist and leaves/retires - this is what most of the club's legends have done as well (Guardiola, Xavi, Iniesta & Puyol)

I do not, however, see any of these candidates (Apart from Roche (Rosell)) advocating for Messi leaving to rebuild but rather to rebuild with him

Cheers, - I appreciate your answer.

 

[FCBarca]

Cheers, - I appreciate your answer.

I would also clarify that I do not foresee any candidate attempting to stand in his way if he wants to leave - instead celebrating the contributions and the legend he will always be to the club. They will try to convince him to stay but they will not block him, on the contrary - he's earned the right to choose what he wants to do