Former Barcelona player Rivaldo has shared his belief that current Barcelona player Lionel Messi will not leave the club anytime soon amid links to other clubs in the media.
In the past few days Inter and Newell’s Old Boys have both been linked with the 32-year-old multi-time world player of the year.
The Argentine national team player has even taken to social media to distance himself from the rumours and labelled them fake news.
“Inter’s president Massimo Moratti said this week that he could bring Lionel Messi to the club and resume his personal clash with Cristiano Ronaldo in Italy, but as I’ve said before I don’t believe that the Argentinian would leave Barcelona for any other European club,” Rivaldo began a column for betting company BetFair.
“I think he has no reasons to leave Spain, but if that happens one day then he could sign for a club from China or MLS, but only when he stops being so decisive for the Catalan outfit.
“Even if a move to Inter could be financially encouraging for the player, I suspect that wouldn’t be enough to convince him and I think this is more like propaganda from Inter’s president than a real possibility in the next transfer market.
“Of course, Inter is a big European club that have recruited excellent players in the past and managed to win some important titles, but I can’t imagine Messi changing club while he is still at his best level at Barcelona.”
Rivaldo, who spent five years with Barcelona between 1997 and 2002, then went on to discuss reports that have also linked Messi to Premier League club Manchester City and reiterated his belief that Messi is unlikely to be going anywhere.
“There were also rumours about potential interest from Manchester City, but their manager Pep Guardiola considers Messi to be where he should be and is still playing at a high enough level to help Barcelona very much.
“So, to sum up I consider that these are just rumours and believe Messi should finish his career in Europe after representing just one club. If he does leave, then it will be to China or a north American club where he can enjoy a different environment with not as much pressure and competitiveness.”
This season Messi has made 31 appearances across all competitions to date. In 2640 minutes on the field, he has scored 24 goals and has provided a total of 16 assists for his Blaugrana teammates.