Lionel Messi: Ronald Koeman Unsure of Argentine's Future At Barcelona

- Lionel Messi's future at Barcelona remains uncertain

- The Argentine's current deal with the Catalans expires at the end of the 2020-21 campaign

- Koeman is already planning for life after the 33-year-old despite giving his best this term

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Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman remains uncertain about Lionel Messi's future at the Nou Camp.

The 33-year-old was close to leaving the Catalans earlier in the summer with Manchester City and a few other clubs ready to welcome him.

Though, the Argentine has pushed that experience behind and focus on helping them compete for titles this campaign.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored once and assisted two other goals in four Spanish League encounters so far.

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He said:

"I was always hoping Messi would stay for this season. If he had left in the summer, I would have had a very different situation at Barca.

"He wanted to leave but the club was very clear to him. The buy out clause was so high, that not a single club in the world was going to pay that in these times.

"I went to his house and took time to listen to all the things he said. But I also explained to him that I had not been a part of the problems he had with the club and told him how I was going to work to change things.

"We ended up talking football tactics. It ended as a proper football chat and that convinced me he is a real lover of the game and he still wanted to put everything he has into Barcelona."

Sport Bible reports that Barca fans are hoping a change in the club's hierarchy, plus good results on the pitch might help to change their captain's mind.

The Dutch tactician hinted that he does not intend to include the 33-year-old in his plans for next season, with Man City favourites to sign Messi when his deal expires next summer.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Barcelona have lost hope of convincing captain Lionel Messi to stay beyond the ongoing season as they are now expecting him to join Manchester City.

The Argentine's current deal at the Nou Camp will expire next summer which means that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner would leave on a free transfer.

Before the end of the recent transfer window, Lionel Messi almost left Barcelona for a move to Premier League side Manchester City, but he eventually stayed.

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