Reports in Spain are suggesting that Lionel Messi is reportedly furious with Barcelona manager, Luis Enrique, after being left on the bench during Barcelona’s unexpected loss to Real Sociedad on Sunday. Messi then missed training on Monday, though the Argentine claimed to be suffering from gastroenteritis.
This has fueled speculation that Messi is unhappy in Barcelona and could be forcing his way out of the club, with Chelsea ready to make a £200 million bid for the 27-year-old.
Reports in Spain are stating that Messi has reached his breaking point with management at the Catalan club. According to Spanish radio network, Cadena COPE, Messi has approached the board of directors with regarding Enrique. Bleacher Report released the following quote (from AS) regarding the incident this morning:
“Barça are becoming a ticking time bomb. On Sunday night Cadena Cope revealed that Messi has confronted the club’s board of directors and Luis Enrique, who he sees as a “master of the dressing room”. The Argentine has become irritated by the excessive authoritarianism of the coach. As previously reported by this newspaper only last week, 2015 will be the year Chelsea make their move for the Argentine, with Cesc Fabregas one of his best friends in the game.”
Cesc Fabregas signed with Chelsea from Barcelona this summer and has been enjoying his best start to a season in his career under manager Jose Mourinho. His friendship with Messi has also been used to ignite rumours that Messi could follow in similar footsteps and head to Stamford Bridge.
Social media further fueled speculation of a move to London. This afternoon Messi followed the official Chelsea instagram account, while Chelsea players Thibault Courtois and Filipe Luis began following Messi.
A more likely scenario though is that Messi is fed up with the board and manager at Barcelona and is trying to send a message to fans, players and the owner that if things do not change quickly in Catalonia, he has plenty of suitors waiting for him abroad.
However, you have to wonder at which point do Barcelona and Messi reach the breaking point. Having been slapped with a transfer ban until 2016, it is imperative Barcelona retain as many players as possible, let alone the four time Ballon D’or winner.
His accolades speak for himself and should he truly want out of Barcelona, Chelsea will be there waiting with Roman Abromovich’s billions to make London his new home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW2UWuPTekk
