Lionel Messi now looks likely to remain in BarcelonaLionel Messi intends to stay at Barcelona despite this week's public row with sporting director Eric Abidal. Messi's deal runs until 2021 and he is open to discussing an extension, although the forward is in no rush and would prefer to do so on a rolling year-by-year basis. Defender Jordi Alba was among them, and he said: "We already have enough thrown at us from outside that we do not need it from inside." As a difficult week for the club draws to a close, the situation has calmed down following talks between Messi and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who has also spoken separately with Abidal. Abidal - a Barca player himself for six years - faces a crucial summer transfer window as the club look to restore their dominance over Europe, especially if La Liga and another Champions League title slip through their grasp this term.

Source: Sky sports February 07, 2020 18:56 UTC