It was never really in doubt was it?
FC Barcelona had maintained for months that Lionel Messi had signed his new contract and, more pertinently, had been paid under the terms of the new agreement since the start of the current season.
And yet, the lack of an official photo had everyone suggesting that all was not as it seemed. That Barca’s rhetoric was just that.
With only 36 days to go until the Argentinian would effectively be able to talk to any club he desired, with a view to a move – for free – at the end of the 2017/18 La Liga campaign, the Blaugrana put paid to the notion Messi was going anywhere.
On Saturday morning, just a day after La Pulga collected his fourth Golden Shoe, equalling nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo in the process, a smiling Messi was pictured alongside Barca president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, signing a renewal until 2021.
By then he will be 34, and he may well call time on his career in Catalonia, to play one final season back at Newell’s Old Boys. A €700m buyout clause has been added to ensure that no other club will take Messi from his beloved Barca in the meantime.
He has played 602 games.
He has scored 523 goals.
He has won 30 trophies.
The story continues.
#Messi2021
Though many within football have always said that he needs to move elsewhere to somehow prove himself the best ever, 523 goals in in 602 appearances, and 30 titles won, suggests otherwise.
He has absolutely defined the last decade of success with Barca, and followers of the club will be delighted with his decision to extend that relationship for another three seasons.
Seeing him wearing the shirt of another club somehow wouldn’t have seemed right because he is Barcelona.
Football fans generally should be happy too. Far too often players move for big bucks and they’re never quite the same.
That Messi has never felt the need to go elsewhere shouldn’t be used as a stick to beat him with. Personal happiness comes first, and it’s been clear ever since he made debut that he and Barca were like hand-in-glove.
For all of the money that is involved in such complex negotiation, Messi’s focus has remained on the pitch. He could’ve earned even more at PSG or Man City, but just as Pep Guardiola, his coach and mentor for years said only this week, ‘it’s what we all want to see’ referring to Messi renewing at Barcelona.
It’s officially done and dusted, he can get on with playing the game with the enthusiasm of a child, remaining the best in the playground by a distance.
Long may that continue.
