Zidane says he wants Messi to stay at Barça ahead of vital Clasico
The Real Madrid coach wants the Argentine to remain at Camp Nou beyond this season
Zinedine Zidane says he hopes Lionel Messi stays at Barcelona beyond the end of this season, when his contract expires at Camp Nou.
Messi, 33, has not yet decided what to do next season, at least not officially, with his Barça terms up on June 30.
Speaking before Saturday's Clasico between Madrid and Barça, Zidane said he would prefer it if Messi remained with his club's rivals.
"Let him stay at Barça, he's good there and it would be good for La Liga," Zidane said ahead of a Clasico which could play a part in where the La Liga title ends up.
The French coach added when asked about Messi's drought in recent Clasicos: "We know the player he is, even if he's not scoring goals.
"Look, we're going to play against Barça and they're all really good. We will try to counter their strengths -- and there are a lot."
NEW FC BARCELONA PODCAST IN ENGLISH
Topics with the letter
