The disgruntled Argentine aired a desire to leave Camp Nou amid the disappointing end of the 2019-20 campaign.
Messi could sign a new contract with Barcelona
Leo Messi could complete his U-turn at Barcelona by signing a new two-year deal with the club, Rivaldo says. The disgruntled Argentine aired a desire to leave Camp Nou amid the disappointing end of the 2019-20 campaign. His route to the exits was eventually blocked, leading the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to show that he would honor the last 12 months of his current deal. Chances are still that he will be looking for a new challenge in 2021, with suitors able to speak to him since January. However, Rivaldo believes Messi can be persuaded to stay put, even with his new thrust in the wake of Luis Suarez’s departure to Atlético Madrid taken into account.
Leo will make new friends in the dressing room
The Blaugrana legend told reporters: “After the departure of Suarez and Arturo Vidal from Barça. It is clear that the press is convinced that Lionel Messi will leave at the end of the season. But I still think that a lot can happen to prevent his exit. He will make new friends in the dressing room. And we cannot forget that there will be elections in 2021 that could change the current situation. “We don’t know how the relationship developed between Messi and the current president, so let’s wait and hope he changes his mind and eventually renews his contract for two more seasons”. While Messi may soon be part of Barcelona’s past, Rivaldo is convinced that Ansu Fati has a significant role in their future.
The league giants have tied the 17-year-old to new conditions while adding him to their first squad, and believe he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of a legend. Rivaldo added: “Ansu Fati renewed his contract with Barcelona this week and now has a €400m release clause, so of course the young Spanish player is part of the club’s future. It makes sense because Barça needs to develop players who can serve and make a difference in big games. His big point means Barça has high hopes for Fati to become one of the great players in their history. They will hope that one day he can be compared to Messi and other great players who have been brilliant at Barcelona.”