Lionel Messi told he risks ruining legacy by joining Premier League

- Lionel Messi's potential move to the Premier League could be a bad one, La Liga chief claims

- The 33-year-old shocked the whole world when he asked to leave Barcelona this summer

- Man City are the only club willing to match Messi's huge pay-packet he decides to leave Barca

PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.ke’s Patreon programme

Lionel Messi's reputation could be over if he decides to leave Barcelona for Man City when his contract expires in 2021, according to LaLiga president Javier Tebas.

After the controversy surrounding his departure from the Camp Nou last summer, the 33-year-old decided to see out the remainder of his contract with his boyhood club.

And Premier League side City are the only club willing to match Messi's wage bill and have made series of mouth-watering offers to the Argentine.

But Tebas is of a different opinion that Messi's reputation with the La Blaugrana will be dented if he decides not to renew his contract at the end of the season.

Marcus Thuram player profile: Borussia, injury, contracts

Football

Tebas told AFP:

"We've been lucky to enjoy him for so many years but Messi should think very carefully about what he does next.

"If Messi left Barcelona, that reputation he has now and that has worked so well for him would be very damaged.

"It's true he could get a better offer financially but the reputation he has after more than 20 years, I think he has to hold onto that."

Just like the departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in 2019 and Messi's potential move to England would end a golden era of superstars in LaLiga.

But La Liga president is playing cool claiming players do not define competitiveness in leagues.

Tebas added:

"It wouldn't be a drama. Cristiano Ronaldo left, Neymar left. Neymar went to PSG and I haven't seen the French league reaching a super level because of him.

Tebogo Langerman's cars, net worth, houses, wife and salary

Football

"That's the reality. People who think the players are the ones who define a competition are wrong and I'm glad they think that way because they won't grow."

PAY ATTENTION: Click 'See First' under 'Follow' Tab to see Tuko.co.ke news on your FB Feed

Meanwhile, defender Gerard Pique has slammed Barcelona for the manner they handled Lionel Messi's contract situation which made on the verge of leaving the club, Sky Sports.

The former Spain international Pique signed a new three-year deal at Barca, with a vote of no confidence against the board.

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly

Dad, stop abusing my mother : Joyce Akinyi's son begs his father Tony Chinedu | Tuko TV :