Lionel Messi will stay on as Barcelona captain this season, the club have confirmed on Saturday. The Argentine asked for a transfer away from the Camp Nou three weeks ago, but then performed a dramatic U-turn when it became apparent he could not leave via a free transfer. Yet despite the chaotic period, the 33-year-old will keep the armband under new manager Ronald Koeman this season, with Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto his deputies. Messi shocked the football world at the end of August when he made it known to the Barcelona boardroom that he wanted a new challenge. As such, Messi decided to stay at the club but does look set to leave upon the expiration of his contract next summer.

Source: Daily Mail September 12, 2020 12:33 UTC