Barcelona face an unexpected problem with Leo Messi this season.
A lot of people questioned whether Lionel Messi would play with the same impact and zeal for FC Barcelona that has been a constant function for the Argentine talisman for the past several seasons. The question arises because Messi was linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer and was eager to leave Barca to join forces with the Premier League side.
The 2019/20 season was indeed a disaster for the Catalans as they ended their season trophyless. This was also the first season where the club changed managers twice in a season as Ernesto Valverde was sacked mid-season and his replacement Quique Setien faced the same brunt following the Champions League bashing against Bayern Munich.
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The squad was definitely impacted by the horror season, however, Lionel Messi, in particular, felt like it was time to move on and seek a new challenge.
Although Messi desperately wanted to leave, it was the board that prevented the player from leaving and decided to keep the player against his will.
Now the question is, will Messi actually give his best? or will any player or athlete play with their heart and soul when their will is against them? The simple answer is no.
Messi has played five league games so far this season and has just one goal from a penalty. Messi finished last season with 25 goals and 21 assists and so far has just one goal and zero assists. Even the way he plays just seems like he is completely unmotivated and has his heart set sail for Manchester instead.
Josep Maria Bartomeu committed a grave mistake by forcing the 33-year-old to stay.
The club should have let Messi leave as that was what he wanted. It would benefit all parties as the player would perform at his best as he would be mentally happy and the club would replace him with a new signing that would highly motivated.
Written by: Ranoveer Neogi
