Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has halted contract talks with the Catalonian club due to frustrations over media leaks that paint him out to be a troublemaker within the organization, according to reports from ESPN. The news originally comes from Spanish radio network Cadena Ser.
Messi has been particularly frustrated with leaks that paint the Argentine to be responsible for former manager Ernesto Valverde's firing back in January, along with other unspecified events that have happened, and make it seem like he's been internally vocal about the lack of quality in the team's squad. All of this was confirmed to ESPN's Moises Llorens.
But the Cadena Ser report reveals further intrigue into this saga. The way that publication tells it, the frustrations have reached a boiling point and Messi apparently no longer wishes to be with Barcelona when his deal expires in 2021. However, none of that has been confirmed, and he has not commented publicly on the situation.
It is worth noting that Messi has become more outspoken this year than in seasons past. He criticized sporting director Eric Abidal for implying the Argentine had a hand in Valverde's sacking, and frankly expressed his belief that his team was not good enough to win the Champion's League this year. He also went at the team's board of directors after they implied the players weren't doing enough to alleviate financial constraints that were brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
The superstar recently passed the milestone of 700 career goals on Tuesday against Atletico Madrid in a 2-2 draw that his side desperately needed to stay afloat in La Liga's title race against Real Madrid. The Catalonian club now sits four points behind Los Blancos with five games remaining. Messi turned 33 earlier this year.
