Tension at Barcelona as Lionel Messi finally decides on the club he'll be playing for next season
- Lionel Messi is ready to remain at Barcelona following the arrival of a new president at the club
- The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's decision to stay would be dependent on Barcelona's upcoming presidential elections
- Messi, who was on the verge of leaving Barcelona last summer, had issues with former president Bartomeu but a new president could sign up the Barcelona talisman to a new deal
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Lionel Messi is set to extend his contract at Barcelona amid constant transfer rumour linking him away from the club in the summer, Sportbible quoting Marca reports.
But according to the report, his decision largely rests on the outcome of the Barcelona's upcoming March presidential elections.
Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa are all vying for the position after the unceremonious exit of the former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Last summer, Messi was on the verge of leaving Barcelona after a soured relationship with Bartomeu, forcing the latter to step down as Barcelona's president.
But now the 33-year-old is convinced to remain at the Camp Nou after Bartomeu's exit.
Messi is out of contract in the summer and he has been rumoured to either make a move to PSG or Man City in the summer.
Source: Twitter
But according to Brazil legend Rivaldo, Man City would be the "favourite to win any competition" if Messi still intends to leave Barcelona.
The 48-year-old former Barcelona star told Betfair: "Pep Guardiola has one of the best squads in Europe and Manchester City are in incredible form right now after 19 consecutive wins, jumping to a 10-point lead in the league and taking a solid step forward in Europe this week.
"City are a very rich club and that allows them to sign the best players in the world. For that reason, they would be a very solid destination for Lionel Messi if he leaves Barcelona.
"Mix the great moment of form they're going through with the fact that Guardiola has already coached Messi with huge success and it's clear that the English club would become even stronger with the Argentinian star on their ranks.
"In fact, with Messi, they would be the favourite to win any competition."
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lionel Messi grabbed a goal and an assist in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Sevilla away from home.
Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring in the first half before Messi sealed the win late on as Barcelona kept their title hopes alive after closing up the gap between themselves and Atletico Madrid on the La Liga standings.
Barcelona now sit in second position on the table following the win as they are now two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid who still have two outstanding games.
Source: Legit.ng
