Lionel Messi Wanted to Quit Barcelona Last Year

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever step foot on the football field. Some might even say that he is greatest ever to play the game. But while he and Cristiano Ronaldo are ripping up the record books, a sensational report has suggested that Lionel Messi wanted to quit Barcelona last year.

Messi had a turbulent summer, in which his national team lost to Chile in the Copa America final. Messi missed a decisive spot kick as Argentina lost their second consecutive Copa America final, leaving the Argentine absolutely devastated.

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Shortly afterwards, Messi sensationally decided to retire from International football before he came back a few months later for his country. And if this was not enough, Messi was accused of a tax fraud and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

All this seemed to have taken a toll on Lionel, who wanted to leave Barcelona and join up with his former coach Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Messi made this clear to the FCB board and wished to go to Manchester City. Of course, Barcelona refused which meant that either Messi had to go on strike to push for this move or City had to pay the 250 Million release clause.

The top brass of the Barcelona board went and met with Jorge Messi, Leo’s father and agent. But no breakthrough was made as there were genuine fears that legendary Argentine might actually leave the Nou Camp.

But eventually it was Leo’s team mate and friend, Luis Suarez who spoke to Messi at length and eventually convinced him to stay. Luis took Messi out for dinner, and then persisted for the next few days before Leo finally relented and decided to stay.

Wow! We were so close to seeing Ronaldo at United and Messi at City.