What does new deal at Barcelona mean for Lionel Messi?

Oladipupo Mojeed Sports 28/07/2021

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi waited for a good time to end speculations about his future at the Nou Camp. His new deal will see him end his career with the La Liga giant and with a significant wage cut.

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This comes at a good time for both parties; Messi eventually won his first international title with Argentina after several attempts. The image even became the most liked on Instagram, and Messi was already on cloud nine. Therefore, Barcelona struck at the right time. Kudos to Barca President Joan Laporta, who had promised to ensure that the talisman stays.

Now that the dust has settled over the captain’s future, Ronald Koeman can plan his team ahead of the new season. Messi will lead the next generation of stars to greater heights.

Lionel Messi — Lionel poses with the Copa America (Image: Instagram-Leo Messi)

This new development means that Messi will never play against the club he loves. He will most probably end in the back room. Giving a 5-year deal to a 34-year-old suggests that he is unlikely to get an additional one. But who can predict the future?

If Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still kicking and able to pen a new deal at 40, then Messi is on safe terrain. Even his direct competitor, Cristiano Ronaldo, continues to look sharp at the age of 36.

After inching close to winning the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa, Messi will surely want to try one last time in Qatar if Argentina qualifies. Same with Ronaldo, who may lead his team and break more records regarding international goals.

All that Messi needs to do now is to guide the likes of Pedri, Spain’s youngest player at Euro 2020, and the retuning Ansu Fati to becoming match-winners like him. These lads indeed have a lot to tap from the rich resources of the Argentinian.

A win-win for Messi and Barcelona

It’s a win-win for both parties as Messi gets to stay at the club he loves and his family continues to enjoy the city. And for Barcelona, they get to keep their prized jewel.

With Sergio Aguero now in the team, the goalscoring burden on Messi should be lifted.

The only uncertainty is that Messi may be unable to return to Newell’s Old Boys. However, no one can dictate what the future will bring. A legendary figure like Lionel Messi will always be welcome.