4 reasons why Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona can cement his legacy as the GOAT

Barcelona's announcement that Lionel Messi is no longer a player at the club has shocked the football world.

Arguably the greatest player of all time is now a free agent, and can sign for any club of his choice. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are leading the line, as expected, and there have been rumors that Paris Saint-Germain have already begun negotiations with Messi's camp.

The gravity of the situation is yet to sink in, and Barcelona fans have understandably expressed their disappointment. Messi is Barcelona's greatest ever and seeing him play for a different club will be a surreal experience.

We look at 4 reasons why Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona could cement his legacy as the GOAT.

---

#4 Lionel Messi could win the Ballon d'Or with a different team

FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015

Lionel Messi has won six Ballon d'Or awards so far in what has been an incredible footballing career, and all these awards have come during his time with Barcelona.

Criticism has often been aimed at Messi for not challenging himself in different leagues. Now that the 34-year old has a chance to do that, it would not be surprising to see Messi win another Ballon d'Or with another club. In fact, he is the current favorite to win the award this year.

The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual award in football, and Lionel Messi is the player who has won it the most. Winning the award as a Manchester City or a Paris Saint-Germain player will surely be a good way of cementing his legacy.

---

#3 Top goalscorer in a different league

FC Barcelona v Granada CF - La Liga

Lionel Messi is La Liga's greatest ever player. The Argentina international has scored the most goals in the league's history and his position as a legend of the Spanish top-flight is secured.

Messi's arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, has finished as the top-goalscorer in the English, Spanish and Italian leagues at least once. If Messi does join Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City, there is a high chance that the superstar could be the top goalscorer in Ligue 1 or the Premier League next season.

There is no denying Lionel Messi's greatness. However, the Premier League is regarded as the toughest league in the world, and if the forward could replicate his La Liga goalscoring prowess in England, the GOAT debate could become one-sided.

---

#2 Win the Champions League with Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain

Juventus v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Final

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have spent millions in their pursuit of Champions League success, but neither team has tasted triumph yet.

Paris Saint-Germain reached the finals of the competition in 2020, while Manchester City did the same last season. Bayern Munich and Chelsea triumphed during those occasions, and both clubs have continued to invest heavily this summer as they seek to win Europe's most prestigious club competition.

Lionel Messi could prove to be the X factor. His world-class ability has often been the difference between a Barcelona win and a Barcelona loss, and whoever signs the diminutive attacker will be the favorite to win the competition this season.

---

#1 Lionel Messi could win a different league

FC Barcelona v Real Valladolid CF - La Liga

Lionel Messi has won La Liga ten times. However, as mentioned before, comparisons have been made between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Ronaldo having won the league in three different countries.

Both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have been dominant forces in their respective leagues in recent years. While Manchester City are the defending champions of the Premier League, Paris Saint-Germain's monopoly of Ligue 1 has been well-covered, and it was a surprise to see Lille beat them to the league title last season.

Messi stands an excellent chance of winning in the league in England or in France if he decides to move to one of these clubs. The 34-year old boasts an overflowing trophy cabinet and could soon add to his medal haul.

---