Over the summer, the Catalan club were in shock as their prized possession, hero and inspiration had announced that he would leave them at the end of the 2019-20 season due to his unhappiness at the club.
This was one of the biggest setbacks Barcelona had to deal with including fans protesting outside the stadium calling for the resignation of the president, Josep Maria Bartomeu as it was his poor decision making and manner of running the club that made Messi take this decision.
Manchester City and Paris St Germain were tipped to be the clubs from which Messi would choose his likely destination. Following this, the management and club went through several meetings in order to make their captain continue at the Camp Nou.
Fast forward to mid-season and we have just seen Barcelona get hammered at home 1-4 against the Ligue table toppers, Paris St Germain in the UEFA Champions League first leg of their round of 16 tie, lose to Sevilla in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi- final, being 8 points off the pace in the La Liga.
This is alarming as Messi and Co have it all to do on all fronts if they are to win some silverware this season and get their season back on track. They are placed 3rd in La Liga with 16 games to go but with the standards the club have set for so many years, it feels like another failed season.
We can illustrate why it could be time for the Catalan club to bid adieu to their biggest showstopper:
Inability to win the UEFA Champions League
It has been 6 years since Barcelona had last lifted the UEFA Champions League title and this could definitely play its part in Messi’s departure from the club. Barcelona lost last season’s quarter finals 8-2 to Bayern Munich, the eventual champions. The humbling defeat was the final nail in the coffin.
Pep’s Manchester City calling
Manchester City were tipped to be one of the club’s where Messi would move post Barcelona. The reason being Pep Guardiola, under whom Messi played his best football and was extremely happy. Messi under Guardiola won 14 major honors including a Sextuple. This highlights his understanding and good relations with the manager, the freedom with which he played for the club. Barcelona have not been able to translate that form and success under other managers post Pep’s departure.
Disagreement with the Board
Even with Bartomeu’s sacking, it has not made a difference to Messi’s relationship with the Board. The planning and direction of the Board has not been in sync with how Messi’s foresaw the future at the club. His relations with ex-Sporting Director and ex-teammate Eric Abidal also hit a roadblock. Bad investments coupled with poor signings from the Board are also reasons why we could see the six-time Ballon d’or winner leave the Blaugrana at the end of 2020-21 season when his contract expires.
