According to reports coming out of Spain, Leo is ready to leave the Camp Nou once his contract ends in 2021. Here's what the manager had to say about this topic.

The biggest news surrounding Barcelona in the wake of their 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid, a result which has all but ended their title hopes, is the Lionel Messi exit rumors. Shortly after the disappointing display against Simeone’s side, speculation emerged from Spain claiming the six-time Ballon d’Or winner has decided to leave the Blaugrana in 2021.

While the Argentine icon has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou several times before only to remain with his boyhood club, there is context this time around. According to the rumors, Leo is not only unhappy about the quality of the team and lack of quality signings, but the 33-year-old is angered by the management and what he deems to be false information spread from within Barcelona, targeted at the players.

It should be noted that while Messi has not publicly stated this, nor would he ever if this is his true intention, he has allegedly ordered his agent to end negotiations with the board and will seek an exit when his contract expires next year. This has brought turmoil to an already unsettled team.

Speaking ahead of their upcoming game, a tricky trip to Villarreal, Quique Setien addressed the Messi reports. The Barcelona boss, who has come under heavy scrutiny, brushed aside those speculations, refusing to indulge in the rumors. 

"I'm not going to speculate on this, I haven't heard anything from him," Setien said, as per Marca.

"I have no record of such news. I don't want to speculate. It's not my place. He seems fine. The rest is speculation that I do not even enter into. That's what you are there for.

"I see him training well, we talk what we have to talk about, no more. He is perfectly aware of what he has to do at every moment in the match, he is not influenced by age. I see him exactly the same."

Some may argue that given the relationship between Setien and La Pulga, or lack thereof, he would not be in the know regarding Leo’s intentions. Nonetheless, the manager’s words can be interpreted as insight into what is truly going on and a hint that the Argentine isn’t aiming to end his Barcelona reign.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Villarreal 1 - 4 Barcelona

July 5, 2020 4:00pmEstadio de la Cerámica (Villarreal)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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