Messi seriously considering Barca exit

Barcelona may lose Lionel Messi before the summer window shuts, as reports from Europe claim the Argentine wizard is “seriously considering” leaving the Nou Camp.

Reports claimed Manchester City met with Messi’s representatives in Barcelona last week to try and convince the 30-year-old to swap loyalties.

The Argentine, whose current deal runs out next year, agreed a new four-year contract with Barca in July but has refused to sign. The deal is expected to make him the highest paid player on the planet.

However, the sale of Neymar and Barcelona’s inability to sign world-class players this summer means the Argentina skipper is disillusioned at the Nou Camp and may be considering his options.

The Mirror said Manchester City’s interest is long-standing and they are understood to be prepared to use his £275m release clause to sign him if the possibility presents itself.

The paper quoted Barcelona sources as saying Messi “is seriously considering leaving.”