We might just be about to witness Lionel Messi’s final season at Barcelona.In fairness, Barcelona have done well to secure one more year out of the Argentinian. But after years of backroom trouble and Champions League disappointments, it seems like the end is in sight.Messi’s attempts to leave the Camp Nou this summer were unsuccessful. However, he has one year remaining on his contract and won’t be short of suitors if he does decide to leave next year.But for now, Messi’s focus is on Barcelona. And based on the form he’s shown in pre-season, he looks electric.The six-time Ballon d’Or winner starred in a 3-1 friendly win over Girona last week, producing a superb pre-assist for Philippe Coutinho’s goal and scoring one of his own.And in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Elche on Saturday in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy, Messi produced a magnificent pass for Jordi Alba that led to Antoine Griezmann’s goal.
Messi video goes viral
Yet despite this, a video of Messi looking utterly miserable after Barcelona’s win is going viral on social media.
We don’t expect Messi to be grinning from ear to ear after winning the Joan Gamper Trophy. It’s a glorified friendly, after all.
But there’s not even the slightest hint of joy in his eyes. Quite frankly, Barcelona doesn’t look like the place he wants to be.
Messi has been through a lot in recent weeks. He committed himself to another year at the club he joined as a young boy; we hope Ronald Koeman’s side can repay him by being competitive.
Reflecting on the saga surrounding the 33-year-old’s future, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu recently told Catalan television network TV3 that he “couldn’t let Messi leave”.
“I won’t get into any conflict with him. He’s our captain and the leader of our team," Barcelona present Josep Maria Bartomeu said, per the Mirror.
"I couldn’t let him leave the club, he is the best player of all time and the team needs him. Having Messi is a guarantee of success.
"We have seen him do his talking on the pitch and we have moved on from the saga. We should congratulate ourselves for getting Messi to stay with us and for how he has behaved in the last few days. The best player in the world should stay at our home."