Salinas thinks Messi will leave amid Barcelona's big financial problem

Published on: 19 January 2021

Former Barcelona player Julio Salinas believes Lionel Messi will not be at the club next season, citing the Argentine's large salary and the club's financial woes.

Salinas sees Messi's renewal as an obstacle to the Blaugrana making other signings at a time when they need to bring in several new faces.

"Messi is the best player in the world, but Barcelona clearly need signings and the pot is almost empty. There's not a penny left; they have a serious economic problem and Messi earns almost 100 million [euros]," Salinas told Betsfy.

"To win, signings are needed, but it's hard to see them coming in the current circumstances, so it will be Messi himself who decides to leave and begin his final chapter at a club who can offer him definite assurances of being able to challenge for the Champions League."

The former striker, who began his career with Athletic Club, also commented on the Supercopa de Espana final and stated that Messi's red card was justified.

"It's a clear red because he's made a mistake and you should never do that on the pitch, hit someone, but there are mitigating circumstances," he noted. "I understand his reaction."

Salinas, who scored 22 goals in 56 Spain caps, felt Messi was frustrated by the fouls he had been receiving and the referee's perceived reluctance to show the yellow card.

Athletic were worthy winners of the final, however, emerging victorious from an entertaining game.

"It was a great final. Athletic were the just winners because they took to the field with a better attitude and more motivation," Salinas stated.

"Barcelona didn't have possession or control of the game and Athletic were twice able to react at a difficult time with the scoreboard against them, they knew how to regroup and gave a big physical effort. The Supercopa had a worthy winner."

Source: m.allfootballapp.com

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