Pep Guardiola has dropped arguably the strongest hint yet that Lionel Messi will extend his stay at Barcelona beyond the end of this season.
Amid speculation surrounding his future, Pep Guardiola has urged Lionel Messi to remain at Barcelona beyond this summer.
The Argentinean superstar’s future has been the source of constant speculation ever since he sensationally declared his intentions to leave the club last summer.
Guardiola’s Manchester City and French giants PSG have been two of the teams most strongly linked with his signature, with Messi’s contract at the Nou Camp set to expire in just two months’ time.
However, the 33-year-old has appeared a happier figure on the pitch in recent months, with Barcelona winning the Copa del Rey and getting themselves back in the race for the La Liga title.
And it is expected that once the campaign is concluded Messi will sit down with his representatives to firmly decide his next step.
Spanish station TV3 is preparing a new documentary about the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and asked Guardiola for his thoughts on Messi’s situation.
And despite the rumours about joining him at City, Guardiola insisted his former player would be best off remaining in Catalonia.
“I hope he can finish his career at Barca,” Guardiola said. “Messi will not find a better home than at Barca.
“The only thing that needs to be done is to go back to the origins of what makes the club special.”
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