Lionel Messi’s retirement: There might be a few years left for Argentinian star’s retirement, but Barca have begun planning for it.
Lionel Messi has been central to Barcelona’s success over the years. In the current season, the Barca forward is the highest goalscorer in the La Liga.
Moreover, he has contributed to an insane 44 goals in 26 games across all competitions for Barcelona, having scored 27 of them.
His leadership qualities have been appreciated by fans and pundits alike, and one of the examples of his supreme team-spirit was on display earlier this week when he handed the ball to Coutinho after winning the penalty. The Brazilian attacker was heavily speculated with a move away from the club due to inconsistent form.
However, Barcelona are wary of the difficulties they might face once Lionel Messi leaves the side. It is very likely that Messi would retire at the club, and Barcelona’s presidential candidate Victor Font has already started preparing for life after the Argentinian forward.
Lionel Messi’s retirement:
Messi’s retirement might be years away from now, but Victor Font has taken the first steps over securing a smooth transition after the forward’s departure.
Font is in talks with the club’s legendary midfielder Xavi Hernandez over a return to Barcelona.
“I’m in tune with Xavi, in relation to the project, and personally I love talking to him about football,” Font said.
.@victor_font: “During the next decade, Barça will have to face the retirement of Messi and one of the best generation of football players in history, and it will have to do with the economic competition of clubs owned by magnates and states: its a complete storm.” (@sialfutur) pic.twitter.com/t82gO3mRQA
— Navid Molaaghaei (@navidjaaan) January 31, 2019
.@victor_font: “It is necessary that the maximum number of former athletes who know the Barça model work for the club. The sporting decisions must be in the hands of those who best know the legacy of Johan Cruyff’s way of winning.” (@sialfutur) pic.twitter.com/XFy9fLUHt3
— Navid Molaaghaei (@navidjaaan) January 31, 2019
“I hope he can lead our footballing project.”
Font admitted that Barcelona will face challenges in the upcoming years but a major task would be to prepare for life after Messi’s retirement.
“We have a lot of challenges for the next five or 10 years.
“A key one, and one of the first, is the management of the end of Lionel Messi (as he gets towards retiring).”
Font stated that he would ensure a return of Xavi as the sporting vice-president. He is backed by Camp Nou’s principal sponsor, Grifols and Xavi’s former teammate and captain Carles Puyol.
Xavi left Barcelona in 2015 for Qatari side Al Sadd and has made 100 appearances for the club so far. However, at the age of 39, Xavi is close to his retirement.
📢 With #SíAlFutur, @victor_font will (THIS IS KEY):
📌 Offer XAVI to lead Barça post-Messi.
📌 Have a board that includes footballers and people with Barça experience.
📌 Multiply revenue by offering 5€ contingents for Barça’s 400 million fans worldwide.(via @EsportsSER) pic.twitter.com/1kCxg3Nnvp
— Navid Molaaghaei (@navidjaaan) January 31, 2019
The presidential elections will take place in 2021 and Victor Font is considered as a front-runner. Lionel Messi would be 33 by the time a new president is elected.
