Luis Suarez reveals how Lionel Messi reacted when he said he was leaving Barcelona, Luis Suarez breaks down in tears as he delivers emotional farewell message at Barcelona, Arsenal target Chelsea midfielder as alternative to Thomas Partey. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Lionel Messi is almost certain to miss the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 17 with the muscle injury that has sidelined him for … At the same time Fabregas was discussing a potential return to the Emirates, but Wenger – well stocked in midfield – did not take up first option to buy him. The group, which also owns Melbourne City in Australia, have built in some flexibility over when Messi would make the move from Manchester to New York. Back in 2003, Messi was still just a very promising prospect at Barcelona’s famous La […] However, with Messi adamant that he wants to leave and not turning up for training or COVID-19 testing at the club this week, he may force Barcelona’s hand into making a deal. Messi was banned for one game after being sent off in the Copa America third-place playoff against Chile and for levelling accusations of "corruption" at South American football chiefs. Barca quickly tied Messi to a new deal. The Barcelona forward was shown the red card after clashing with Gary Medel and afterwards he alleged the tournament had been fixed in favour of the hosts Brazil, who beat Argentina in a controversial semifinal on their way to claiming the title. - Lowe: Messi at Barcelona for 'Last Dance'. Messi considered a move to the Emirates before committing his future to Barcelona, Lionel Messi didn't deserve Golden Ball award says Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi: Golden Ball means 'nothing' to me due to Germany defeat, REVEALED: Arsenal missed out on Lionel Messi signing after Cesc Fabregas moved to Chelsea. If Arsène Wenger had had his way 15 years ago, they would have been playing for Arsenal. Express. - Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only) Bayern Munich look dominant in Bundesliga, but is their squad too thin to defend Treble? The 33-year-old is set to leave Barcelona after announcing his intention to find a new challenge and speculation has been rife over which club will be able to tempt him to sign. Messi missed out on the Ballon d’Or as best player in the world to Cristiano Ronaldo, but still scored 41 goals in 44 games and would have instantly made Arsenal title contenders. He only did so in August, but is claiming that the extension of the season due to COVID-19 means the clause is still applicable. was banned for one game after being sent off, Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only). The disillusioned star was reeling as Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League and lost the league title to Atletico Madrid. Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He spoke to team-mate Cesc Fabregas, to ask his agent to sound out a potential move to Arsenal. Abidal has joined Quique Setien in leaving Barcelona this week Initially CONMEBOL said the ban was for an official match, but now according to Tapia, he is free to play. You have come to the ESPN Africa edition, for other ESPN editions, click above. The 27-year-old had a £197million buy-out clause and wanted wages close to £300,000 a week. Lionel Messi can play in Argentina's opening World Cup qualifier next month because the statute of limitations has run out on the ban he was given during last year's Copa America, the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on Thursday. Can Kepa, the world's most expensive goalkeeper, save his Chelsea career before it's too late? (1:17). Lionel Messi’s former agent has revealed how close the Argentine star was to following Cesc Fabregas to Arsenal in 2003. Messi had been expected to serve the ban by missing Argentina's qualifier against Ecuador that is scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires on Oct. 8. Messi played in two friendlies at the end of 2019, scoring in a 1-0 win over Brazil and a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed a five-year contract with the owners of Manchester City and New York City FC, which will see him spend three years in … order back issues and use the historic Daily Express Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed a five-year contract with the owners of Manchester City and New York City FC, which will see him spend three years in the Premier League before moving to Major Soccer League.