Lionel Messi's future will be one of the hottest topics in football for the next six months, and one of Barcelona's presidential candidates has come up with a rather complicated plot to keep the footballer around.
Speaking in a press conference for the presidential candidate Xavi Vilajoana, financial advisor Juan Velayos stated that added to the formula's desire to extend Messi's contract with the club, their idea is to buy a Major League Soccer franchise to fulfill Messi's "dream" of playing in the North American league.
"We want Messi to keep playing for Barcelona. We want him to lead a financial adjustment, and we also want to give him the American experience he deserves by creating a brand in the MLS that bonds Barcelona and the player on a long-term basis," Velayos stated.
The words stated by Velayos come as a surprise to many, especially due to the team's current financial problems that have led the club to negotiate a wage adjustment with the entire first-team squad. Moreover, data revealed by other presidential candidates suggests that former president Josep Maria Bartomeu left the club in quite a financial predicament.
Returning to today's presser, Velayos added that Messi's MLS adventure under Barcelona's brand would also see one of his current or former team-mates joining the Argentine in his quest to conquer the MLS Cup.
"We will try to make things happen so that Messi and a former team-mate of his end up playing for our intended MLS team," Velayos added.
The voting process will be held on January 24, and fans will be eager to know the identity of the winner, since his presence could fuel more signings in the ongoing transfer window.
