Lionel Messi's decision... and Neymar's decision too

The transcendence of Lionel Messi as a footballer at Barcelona is unquestionable. Those who doubt him only have to look each week, as he sends a new message in the form of goals. In 2021, at nearly 34, he’s the top scorer in Europe with 26 goals. The same as Lewandowski and three more than Mbappe. His numbers show no decline. In fact, after a a difficult start to the season with that Burofax, he is only getting better. The team is matching him too. If Barcelona have a chance to win the league, it’s thanks to Messi. He’s the perfect mix of magical and experience. A natural leader for Barca in the present and the pillar that Barcelona should build around for the future. His renewal is not just an ideological or emotional question (them as well), but a sporting one. The few questioning it do it for economic reasons. But Messi has shown that he is not guided by money. The emotion with which he celebrates his goals is evidence of his identification with the club.

Messi wants to win the Champions League again wearing Blaugrana. And Laporta ha to give him a project capable of that dream. He has not sat down to negotiate with Messi and his dad yet, but it won’t take long. There are four games to go before the campaign ends. We’re in May. The countdown has begun, to his big decision. And a big decision that could be linked to Neymar’s future too. He is playing against Man City in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. That could also have an impact. The possibility of them playing together again, next season, could be much closer than some people think… 

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