BIRTHDAY BOY HAS NOU DESIRE TO GO
LIONEL MESSI has done it all at Barcelona and been hailed for “pulverising expectations”.
But those hoping to see the Argentine superstar weave his magic in another country are facing disappointment as Messi wants to finish his career at the Nou Camp.
Messi turns 30 today and can already look back on a career that would be the envy of even the very best players past and present.
The list of honours is endless but includes a club-record 507 goals, eight Spanish titles, four Champions Leagues and five Ballons d’Or.
Former Barca midfielder Guillermo Amor, who was a youth coach as Messi came through, said: “He has pulverised all expectations.
“What he has done in the first team is equal or even greater than what he showed us at La Masia.”
In the never-ending debate about Messi’s rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, some point to the fact he has never stepped out of his Barcelona comfort zone.
In his 30s that seems unlikely to change.
Messi said: “I would like to finish my career at Barcelona so we’ll see.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted, what I’ve always dreamed of and what I’ve always said I’d do.”
One barrier to a move would be that few clubs could afford Messi, who is in talks over a new deal that would see his buyout clause rise to £348million.
Chinese clubs may possess the riches and he said: “I wouldn’t say moving to China is impossible. Anything can happen but it hasn’t crossed my mind.”