The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has bid an emotional farewell to Camp Nou after failing to see a new contract put in place, with the mercurial Argentine now expected to link up with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi wants to finish his last years competing for titles
Dani Alves has told Lionel Messi, “you can surpass me whenever you want”, after learning that his former Barcelona team-mate has his sights set on a record-setting trophy haul. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has bid an emotional farewell to Camp Nou after failing to see a new contract put in place, with the mercurial Argentine now expected to link up with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. Alves has taken a similar path in his remarkable career, with a stint at Juventus sandwiched between spells with Barca and PSG, and the iconic full-back is still going strong at 38 years of age. Messi told reporters at a remarkable press conference that saw him sever ties with the only club side that he has represented at senior level: “I want to finish my last years competing for titles.
“Don Leo Messi, continue making history”, said Dani Alves
“I congratulate Dani Alves, who won the Olympic gold medal, and I warn him that I am going to fight to catch up with him and surpass him. That is my mentality.” Alves has responded on Instagram by saying: “The greatest of all time, you can surpass me whenever you want, it will be one more assist for you. “After my girlfriend, you are my best partner. Thank you for everything you gave us, thank you for sharing so much and thank you for letting me be part of your story. “What an honour to be able to accompany your evolution closely, and thanks to Sylvinho for connecting us. “Don Leo Messi, continue making history wherever you want to go. There will always be a crazy guy at your service for all moments, especially the less good ones!”
Alves captained Brazil to gold medal glory at Tokyo 2020, with that success representing the 43rd of his glittering career. That haul makes him the most decorated player of all time, with nobody within touching distance of a man that is now back in his homeland with Sao Paulo. Alves has enjoyed success wherever he has been, with major honours at the club level complemented by more on the international stage. His record trophy collection includes six La Liga titles; three Champions League crowns, two Europa League triumphs, three at the Club World Cup, one Serie A title, the Coppa Italia, two Ligue 1 successes, two Copa America wins and an Olympic gold.