Lionel Messi will emulate Pele as one-club man, insists Barca chief

Sport360 staff 09:40 12/11/2019
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  • Pele was a one-club man while in Brazil and fellow legend Lionel Messi will almost certainly follow suit with Barcelona.

    That’s according to Blaugrana president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who is convinced Messi will never feel the urge to leave the club both before he retires and during his post-playing career.

    Injury problems have hampered the Argentine’s start to the season, but the 31-year-old has since got back to his very best – scoring a hat-trick including two incredible free-kicks in Barca’s 4-1 victory over Celta Vigo last Sunday.

    According to Marca, Messi will open talks over a contract renewal next season, and Bartomeu is intending it to be his final – and forever – one.

    “If Leo feels strong and ambitious, extending his contract indefinitely will surely be the will of everyone involved,” Bartomeu said.

    “I always compare him with Pele. Pele was a one-club man in Brazil (with Santos).

    “I have no doubt that, after Messi hangs up his boots, he will stay linked to this club for the rest of his life.”

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