After almost a year surrounded by controversy, Lionel Messi stepped up and delivered the words every Barcelona fan wanted to hear. During an interview, the Argentinean slammed all those rumors linking him to a Premier League side by stating that the thought of leaving Los Blaugranas has never crossed his mind.
"I'll never play for another European club. Barcelona is my home and I want to retire here, or I may end up playing in Argentina. I want to end my career here," Messi stated.
Messi's future has been subject to doubts since January, 2015, when a supposed argument with coach Luis Enrique started all rumors about his departure. One year later, their relationship is better than ever, and the Argentinean has set the record straight about where he wants to end his illustrious career.
Later in the same article, Messi referred to his well-known rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. The South American ace hinted that, even though he doesn't consider the Portuguese player one of his friends, both performers have always respected one another.
"Yes, we are rivals, but there's always been respect and admiration between us. His most recent Ballon D'Or wins were more than deserved, and regarding myself, if I can win one more trophy I'll be glad, but I'm not obsessed by it," Messi added.
Messi's tax fraud case could prevent him of playing Copa América Centenario
Winning a major trophy with Argentina may not be in Messi's agenda this year. Spanish tax authorities have set a date to hear Messi's tax fraud case for June 3, just when the Copa América Centenario kicks off. While the Argentinean's attorneys will ask for a continuance, the initial date would prevent Messi's efforts of working out properly for the tournament.
Messi and his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, have been charged with three counts of tax fraud and could be sentenced to nearly two years in prison if found guilty.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
