Thierry Henry weighs in on Lionel Messi's uncertain Barcelona future

Thierry Henry gave his thoughts on former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi’s uncertain future as a final decision looms.

Henry reckons Messi ‘deserves happiness’ and should be allowed to decide his own future considering all the joy he’s filled fans with over the years.

The Barcelona skipper attempted a shock departure over the summer after becoming disillusioned with life at Camp Nou. But thanks to a €700m buyout clause, and the club’s refusal to allow him to leave for free, he ultimately decided to honor the last season left on his deal.

What happens in the summer of 2021, however, is anybody’s guess.

Manchester City are the rumored favorites to land the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s signature. Although Paris Saint-Germain and, perhaps, Inter Milan will fancy a shot at signing him on a free transfer.

Manchester City are studying to offer Messi a pre-contract in January. The English outfit want to take advantage of Barcelona's unstable situation. Presidential candidates will try to convince Messi to stay at the club, but dates for elections are yet to be confirmed. [sport] pic.twitter.com/3MOsKjiHUd

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 3, 2020

But the choice of club is irrelevant to Henry, who reflected on how Messi has been misjudged this season for a lack of goals.

“When I see people having a go at Messi, I laugh,” the former Blaugrana striker told CBS Sports.

“People forget that last month he went to play in Ecuador and then he went to play in Bolivia. You can’t even walk in Bolivia! Players coming from Europe, you’ll pass out.

“People forget that we’re not machines. I understand that you need to sell stuff and you need to tell stories, but not this guy. Seriously. I played with Messi, this is not the guy you need to attack.”

Henry added: “Where should Messi end up if he’s not happy? I don’t care. Messi deserves happiness. The amount of joy he has given to people.

“We pay to watch football because of Messi. Messi deserves to be happy. I just hope he keeps playing so my eyes can be looking at something beautiful as he warms my heart with beautiful football.”

Henry played alongside Messi at Barcelona between 2007 and 2010, winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League.

The latter will be in action on Saturday afternoon in a La Liga match between Barca and Real Betis.