Lionel Messi. The name that has an enigma around it, which enthrals millions of football fans around the world. His fan base is inclusive mostly of either the supporters of Barcelona or Argentina or as in most cases, consists of supporters of the club as well as the national team. That base, however, might fall apart next January, as the “Messiah” might make a move that can come as a shock to many of his fans, especially those who support the Blaugrana.
Speculations are rife that the four time Balon D’Or winner might be on his way to leave the Spanish outfit, the Premier League being his possible destination. Though there has been no confirmation as of now, there might be an outward chance that the Argentine magician embarks on a journey with a new outfit, eyeing a reunion with his former coach Pep Guardiola.
The situation at Barcelona has been extremely tumultuous, especially since the last term. They got ousted by the Italian champions Juventus in the quarter final stage of the Champions League and also lost their Spanish La Liga champions crown to their arch rivals Real Madrid. More tragedy struck as one of their mainstays in the attack in the form of the Brazilian superstar Neymar made his way out of Nou Camp to join the French giants Paris Saint Germain during the recently concluded transfer window.
In addition to this, Barcelona’s inability to bring in enough quality players to support Messi in the frontline is being adjudged to be the major reason behind the 30-year-old forward getting disappointed with the Catalan giants and has not put down his signature on a new contract with them. His current contract will be ending in 2018 and the Blaugrana are making every possible effort to keep arguably the best player in the world with them for the rest of his career.
Messi made his way through the ranks into the starting lineup of the Spanish outfit and signed his first senior contract in 2004. Since then, he has been the main man in their attack and has notched up a staggering 513 goals in 589 appearances for the club in all competitions. His 351 goals in 384 appearances for Barcelona also makes him the all time top scorer in the history of La Liga.
In case the dream move materializes for Manchester City during the next transfer window, the lineup might look something like this with Lionel Mesi as their prime weapon-
Ederson, Danilo/Walker, Kompany, Otamendi/Stones, Mendy, David Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Aguero, Messi.
