The 33-year-old stunned the entire football world in August after handing the Catalan club his transfer request despite having one more season left on his deal with them.
Off the bench…
Lionel Messi ⚽⚽#UCL pic.twitter.com/Ki0XBiLsKd
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 7, 2020
He was denied the chance to leave as the Blaugrana board insisted any club that wanted his signature must meet the six-time Ballon d’Or’s release clause.
After a few back and forths between Messi and the club, the Argentine withdrew his demand to leave and agreed to stay for one more season.
The forward was linked to a reunion with former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City whom they won several titles with during his reign at the Nou Camp.
SunSport quoting Marca highlights the five elements expected to influence whether he decides to extend his stay at Barca.
Josep Bartomeu’s replacement: Messi was vocal about his differences with former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and would be interested in who replaces the Spaniard.
The 57-year-old resigned last month after a vote of no confidence was passed on him for the way he handled the forward’s situation.
And Messi acceptance of who will take the mantle of leadership will go a long way in deciding where his future lies in the next season.
Sporting Director: Despite playing along with Eric Abidal at the club, Messi still had issues with him and the 41-year-old was sacked in August.
And the publication confirms that the office which is already occupied by Ramon Planes is equally important to the forward.
The new director the Catalans are doing their best to ensure the 33-year-old extends his stay beyond next summer.
The Manager: Lionel Messi was initially at loggerhead with Ronald Koeman when he arrived in August but both appear to have moved on. But he is still unsure what the coach’s plans are for him in the future.
Transfer: After booted out Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and a few others, Messi wants to know the club’s plans about summer signing. While the last thing on the player’s list would be his form.
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