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In news that shocked the footballing world last night, Barcelona confirmed that Lionel Messi has informed the club about his decision to leave Barcelona this summer.
The Argentine superstar has been at Barcelona since he was 13 years of age, going on to become Barcelona's talisman and one of the best players of all time. It was often believed by many that Messi would end his career with the Catalan club.
Barcelona, though, are not in good shape. Ronald Koeman's arrival as manager has indicated that there are going to be major changes, with the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez likely to leave the club. Messi's potential departure, however, was not part of the plan.
Various top clubs have already been linked with the Argentina international, whose enormous wages can only be digested by a select few. Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are all said to be interested.
We look at 5 reasons why leaving Barcelona could be the right decision for Lionel Messi.
#5 Last chance for a move
Now 33 years old, Lionel Messi might never get another opportunity to make a big move like this.
The Argentina international has been at Barcelona since 2001, progressing through their famed La Masia academy and becoming a part of the first team. Despite interest from top clubs over the years, Messi has been loyal to the Catalan club, even during their lowest moments.
Now that he has announced his intention to leave, some of the biggest names in club football will be in for him. Messi's talent is such that he can surely perform at the highest level for the next two or three years, be it as a forward or a midfielder.
#4 Success in multiple leagues
One accusation that has been thrown at Lionel Messi for some time now is that he has not achieved success in multiple leagues, like his perceived rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has enjoyed incredible domestic success in England, Spain and Italy, while Messi has spent his entire career so far at Barcelona. A move could change that perception. With various clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain linked with a move, Messi could finally enjoy success in a new league.
This would a good reply to naysayers who believe that the diminutive playmaker is only capable of performing in Spain, while establishing his legacy in a similar vein to Ronaldo's.
#3 Champions League success
Barcelona are in disarray, and their debacle leaves very little chance of Champions League success in the next few years.
Arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi should be fighting to win the most prestigious trophy in club football, which is unlikely to happen with Barcelona. A move to a more structured and settled club could result in European success, a chance for the player to lift the trophy one more time at the very least.
Barcelona's rebuild is not a short-term project and will definitely take time. A move to a club like Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, with better management and players, could prove to be a good recipe to win the Champions League.
Also Read: 5 world-class midfielders who do not get the credit they deserve
#2 Cement his legacy as the greatest of all time
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player to have graced a football field but his supposed failures at both club and international level could worryingly tarnish his legacy.
The Argentine has been accused of not being the talisman for the national team; while at club level, he has been accused of being responsible for Barcelona's embarrassing losses to Roma, Liverpool and Bayern Munich in recent Champions League campaigns.
A move to a foreign league for the first time in his career could alleviate the stress. Surrounded by better players, Messi could finally achieve the success required to cement his legacy as the greatest of all time.
#1 A lesson for Bartomeu and the Barcelona board
It would be fair to say that Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is not a fan favourite.
Bartomeu has been accused of tax fraud and shady dealings as Barcelona president and has been put forth as the major architect of Barcelona's downfall. Poor signings and needless expensive transfers have left the Camp Nou outfit in poor shape financially as well as on the field.
If Messi does leave under Bartomeu's presidency, it would be his lasting legacy- as the man who let Messi leave Barcelona. It would be a lesson for Bartomeu and the Barcelona board, whose poor planning has resulted in the mess that the club is in right now.
Also Read: Ranking the 10 best UEFA Champions League players this season (2019-20)
