XtraTime Web Desk: Lionel Messi has decided to stay with Spanish giants Barcelona for another season as the Argentine superstar has decided not to activate the exit clause in his contract with the Catalan club. Messi’s contract with Barcelona expires next year in 2021. As part of the four year extension signed with the La Liga giants in 2017, Messi have to intimate the club before June 01 each year whether he wish to activate his exit clause. The exit clause states that the six time Ballon d’Or winner can leave Barca for free at the end of a given season.
There were speculations whether the Argentina captain could leave Nou Camp following Serie A giants Inter Milan’s desire to sign him. Inter president Massimo Moratti had earlier stated it was possible for the club to sign the Argentine legend.
The 32 year old Messi denied such a move through his social media platforms and made it clear that he would stay with the Spanish side until at least the summer of 2021. Whether he will stay on with the Catalan side post 2021 summer, will depend on the club hierarchy’s views about him.
Speaking in November of last year, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu made it clear that it is the club’s wish to ensure their star player continues his career with the club for several more years to come.
“Ultimately it is he who must decide. He has earned the right to decide when he will stop playing football. But he wants to finish his playing career at Barcelona,” Bartomeu told reporters.
Messi is set to return to action for Barcelona as La Liga is set to resume from Thursday, June 11 post the forced lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic.