La Liga's outspoken and controversial president Javier Tebas has just made some interesting remarks regarding the future of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. Given the Argentine's contract situation and recent attempt to force an exit, Blaugrana fans will take notice of Tebas' comment.
After year and years of disappointment, Leo's frustration with the club reached boiling point in the 2019/20 season. Following their embarrassing 8-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich, the Argentine legend handed in a transfer request with the hopes of joining another more exciting project.
What unfolded was a public transfer saga, with Barcelona refusing to let the six-time Ballon d'Or winner go and La Pulga giving an explosive interview in which he went on the record to criticize the management of then president Josep Maria Bartomeu. The 33-year-old reluctantly stayed but with his contract ending next summer, his future remains a hot topic.
With that in mind, Tebas weighed in on the financial ramifications Messi's departure from the Spanish top-flight could bring about. Having previously spoken highly of the Argentine's importance to La Liga, the league official has now stated that are ready for his departure.
"We would prefer Messi to stay in La Liga but Ronaldo and Neymar left and we have not noticed any difference," Tebas said, as per the Sun. "We are ready."
Given that the diminutive magician can sign a pre-contract in January with any club if he so chooses to, could Tebas be in-the-know with Messi's plans? That remains unknown but what is almost certain is that Man City will try their best to lure him to the Premier League once against.
The Citizens were the favorites to land Leo last summer, with the attacker reportedly giving a move to the Etihad Stadium the green light. However, a reunion with Pep Guardiola did not occur but another attempt appears all but destined.
Although he could leave Camp Nou for free in the summer, Man City are one of a few clubs that can afford the player's high wages, thus bringing the Citizens' spending prowess back into the spotlight. Tebas has once again slammed the English giants over their immense wealth, saying that Pep's team "compete outside the rules".
"It seems the only club in the Premier League that talks about registering Messi is Manchester City, who compete outside the rules," he added. "I am not the only one saying this.
"I am not too worried about them. I have criticized what they do so many times. Doing it one more time makes no difference. City is neither affected by Covid or pandemics or anything because they are financed differently and it is impossible to fight against that."
