Zinedine Zidane Responds To Lionel Messi's Decision To Leave Barcelona

Zinedine Zidane is hoping Lionel Messi will stay, after it emerged the Barcelona star could leave the club next year, despite the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barca.

The football world was sent into shock on Thursday night after a report in Spain that Messi would see out his contract at the Nou Camp and then leave the club at the end of next season.

If it does happen then the Catalan giants could suddenly become a very average side, something you'd think might appeal to the manager of their biggest rivals, however that's not the case.

Asked about Messi leaving, following Real's 1-0 win over Getafe on Thursday, Zidane said, "I don't know what will happen but we hope not because he is in this league and we want the best in this league."

Messi had been expected to sign a new deal, which would have seen him stay with the Spanish champions until 2023, but things have suddenly changed.

According to Cadena Ser's report, the 33-year-old has become annoyed that he's been blamed for problems at the club that have nothing to do with him.

Firstly sporting director Eric Abidal blamed the team captain for Ernesto Valverde's sacking and then he was also blamed for the players taking so long to negotiate a wage cut during the break in football for Covid-19.

In the end the players agreed to an incredible 70% wage cut and the club's all time top scorer was unhappy with the way he was treated throughout.

Messi celebrated his 700th career goal this week. Image: PA Images

Problems on the pitch are also thought to be involved with the player's unhappiness and the club not having a 'project for success.'

Standards have certainly been slipping on the pitch and Valverde's sacking hasn't helped, with the club falling behind Los Blancos in the title race.

Muddled thinking on transfers has been evident for several years and Messi was desperate for the club to re-sign Neymar last summer, but they chose to sign Antoine Griezmann instead.

There could still be a chance that the six time Ballon d'Or winner changes his mind, afterall there has been talk of him leaving the club in the past, but there is a lot of work to be done before then.

Where do you think Messi will be playing for the 2021/22 season? Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Barcelona, Transfer stories, Lionel Messi, Transfer rumours, Zinedine Zidane, Clasico, Transfer news, Spain, Real Madrid, La Liga, Transfer reports

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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