Lionel Messi Reportedly Tells James Rodriguez To Leave Real Madrid

Lionel Messi reportedly told James Rodriguez to leave Real Madrid after the 1-1 draw between Barcelona and Real Madrid on Saturday.

Luis Suarez struck the opener for Barca, before Sergio Ramos popped up in stoppage time with a late header.

Colombia skipper James Rodriguez once again had to settle for a place on the Real Madrid bench and did not even take to the field in the big game at the Nou Camp.

Karim Benzema, Isco and Mateo Kovavic were all substituted in started the game and when the latter was brought off, Zinedine Zidane opted for Mariano Diaz, the Castilla striker who has only played four times this season.

And according to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Messi spoke to James after the match and is said to have told him to look for other alternatives and listen to any offers that come in, in order to get his career back on track.

The former AS Monaco and Porto man has made 12 appearances this season, scoring twice. Zidane maintains that the 25-year old remains a key part of his plans despite not featuring regularly enough in the starting XI this season.

Should Rodriguez push for a move away, a host of clubs will surely be in the queue for his signature - AC Milan, Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus have been all been heavily linked with the Colombian in the past.

Topics: Lionel Messi, James Rodriguez

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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