Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has insisted that he has a desire to remain at the club for the remainder of his career, but doesn’t rule out an exit.
The 28-year-old won his fifth Ballon d’Or award earlier this month, as he continues to play a leading role in the club’s sustained success both at home and abroad.
With the Catalan giants chasing further silverware this season to follow up their historic treble-winning campaign last year as well as winning the Club World Cup, Messi has revealed that he has a strong desire to stay at the Camp Nou.
“In football, anything can happen, but my idea and my desire is to stay at Barcelona,” Messi told France Football.
When questioned further on whether a move to Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain would tempt him in the future, Messi remained clear in his intentions.
“Once again, anything can happen in football but I’m sure of what I want, and what I want to stay here in Barcelona.”
The Argentinian icon went on to suggest that he would perhaps be open to a return to his homeland at some stage of his career, but as far as Europe is concerned, he will remain in Barcelona.
Barca currently sit second in the La Liga table as they trail leaders Atletico Madrid by two points. However, given their previous commitments in the Club World Cup, they have a game in hand on Diego Simeone’s men, and will hope to make the most of it and take back top spot in the coming weeks.