Lionel Messi future

The future of Barcelona icon Lionel Messi remains in doubt heading into the final months of his contract.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner submitted a transfer request at the end of a shambolic 2019-20 season for the club, but was forced to stay after a dispute over a release clause in his contract.

Messi has still not signed a new deal at the club, although he is now thought to be more open to the idea of staying following a change in presidency at the club, in addition to more promising signs on the field.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have been suggested as the two clubs who might be able to afford the Argentine's mammoth wages should he decide to leave Camp Nou, where he has spent his entire career so far.