Leo Messi ‘assessing’ his situation at Barcelona after La Liga struggles

Leo Messi is assessing his future with Barcelona, according to veteran Spanish football journalist Graham Hunter.

The Argentine has been linked with a shock move away from the Catalan club, which has gone through a few difficult years both domestically and in Europe.

Messi was highly critical of his club after they were dethroned as La Liga champions by rivals Real Madrid.

The disappointment followed shock Champions League exits to the like of Liverpool in dramatic circumstances in recent years.

Messi, who labelled Barcelona ‘weak’, have failed to kick on since the appointment of Quique Setien.

‘He pointed his finger really strongly at the management of the team and management of the club,’ said Hunter to Off The Ball.

‘He said there needs to be global self-criticism, meaning everybody at the club needs to look at their performance.

‘He knows absolutely clearly that there aren’t enough high-quality players or high-quality athletes around him.

‘Would he go to Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain or go back to Newell’s Old Boys?

‘I don’t think a decision has been taken. Messi is assessing what’s going on, assessing whether there will be good business done in the transfer market and if [Quique] Setien will stay on.’

Messi has been the bright spark for an ageing team that has failed to rediscover the magic of five years ago.

Hunter added: ‘Messi is still the heart of everything.

‘He’s definitely been Barcelona’s best player this season. He’s kept them in things and when he clicks, they all click.’

There is still hope for Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, in which they next take on Napoli in the last-16 on Saturday, August 8, for the second-leg of the tie, with the first clash ending 1-1.

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