Following a public fallout with FC Barcelona officials, and with a clause that allows him to leave the club for free, Lionel Messi's future with the LaLiga giants is uncertain. Barca chief Josep Bartomeu has now given an update on the Argentine superstar's stay at the Camp Nou.
Messi sparked speculation that his life-long affiliation with Barca could be coming to an end earlier in the season when he was involved in a public spat with the club's sporting director Eric Abidal over comments made to the media.
The fallout followed revelations that Messi retains the right to rescind his contract with the club before the end of every season, which, in turn, saw a host of clubs – including Pep Guardiola's Manchester City – credited with an interest in his signature.
According to ESPN, Bartomeu attempted to set the record straight at an event last Thursday, where he sought to explain the 32-year-old's current contractual situation with the Catalan juggernauts, and dismissed the notion that the player feels isolated at the club.
"Messi is the best player in the world," Bartomeu said.
