Lionel Messi has expressed his admiration for both the Premier League and Serie A but says he has no plans to leave Barcelona in the near future. Messi has always expressed his desire to finish his European career at Barcelona before going back to Argentina to play for his childhood club Newell’s Old Boys.
However, Lionel Messi did say there was a slim chance of him moving to the Premier League or Serie A in the future. Speaking to Egyptian TV channel MBC, Messi said:
"I like English and Italian football, I watch all the big games but, like I've said, my intention is to continue playing for many more years with Barcelona and to retire here.
"I hope it works out that way and that I'm not forced to change my mind. You can never tell in football. Things can change from one day to the next."
Manchester City are rumoured to be the favourites to sign 5 time Ballon d’Or winner should he decide to move from Barcelona.
Messi’s retirement will cause huge problems – Guardiola
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has been absolutely vital for Barcelona’s stunning form in the last decade and former manager Pep Guardiola feels that Messi’s retirement will leave a huge void in the Barcelona team.
The Argentina star has scored 22 goals and set up 10 more in 25 league appearances this season to help the Blaugrana take a nine-point lead at the top of La Liga standings.
"When Leo Messi quits football there will probably be a huge sink-hole in Barcelona," Guardiola joked in an interview with RAC1 on Friday.
There won't be Trebles, but of course, if Barcelona keeps doing things well, they might be able to fight against Bayern Munich."
The Bayern Munich manager also praised Lionel Messi calling him the ideal pupil of the legendary late Johan Cruyff.
"Messi is the [Barcelona] player who runs the least and in that he was Cruyff's best pupil,"
Guardiola will be taking over at Manchester City this summer and recent rumours have linked Messi to City although he has never indicated his desire to leave the Camp Nou after 15 successful years at the club.
