Sensational claims have been in the papers this week, suggesting that Lionel Messi could join Arsenal. Surely this is a joke, right?
Well, maybe not. Messi leaving Barcelona and moving to North London isn’t as ridiculous as you might think- hear us out.
We got Jonathan Kaney on the case and he identified five key reasons Messi could move to Arsenal. We’re not suggesting it will happen, or is even realistic, but it’s definitely not impossible- so we can all keep dreaming!
Hit the navigation buttons to see FIVE reasons Messi could join Arsenal!
Tax issues
Messi’s fantastic year on the pitch in 2014 was blighted by off-field problems as the Spanish tax authorities investigated him and his father Jorge over an alleged €4.1million of tax fraud and evasion between 2007 and 2009.
Despite both denying any wrongdoing, the Argentine star and his father could appear in court, accused of defrauding the Spanish tax office and if found guilty could face significant jail time over the incident.
It’s widely thought in Spain that Leo could be considering quitting Barcelona because of his continued issues with the Spanish tax authorities, media intrusion, and the perception of a relentless and unjust campaign against him.
If things became too toxic for him in Spain to be happy playing his football, a move to the Emirates to start afresh could well be a possibility within the next few years.
A management fall out
In early 2015, Messi and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique were at the centre of intense media speculation about their relationship after constant rumours of a power struggle at the Nou Camp.
A heated training ground argument between the two saw Messi benched for a 1-0 loss against Real Sociedad and he then allegedly refused to take part in an open training session 24hrs after the game.
There was a genuine belief at the Nou Camp that the relationship was beyond repair, with Messi’s iconic and invaluable status making it difficult for the notoriously authoritarian Luis Enrique – who also alienated club legends Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi at Roma due to his style – to assert his stamp on the club.
As it turns out – whether or not they still dislike each other – they managed to make it work and alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez, Messi led Barca to another treble in 2014.
Only time will tell how long Luis Enrique will stay at the club, however when he eventually does get replaced, Messi’s relationship with the Barcelona manager will always be a factor in how long he stays at the club.
A fallout with the board
The Barcelona board of directors are no strangers to controversy these days after being reprimanded for tapping up young players with a transfer ban and an ongoing investigation into the dodgy dealings of the Neymar signing.
Power struggles are always rife between clubs and high profile players, and Messi has had his problems in the past with the clubs board. In December 2013 when asked whether Messi would get a new and improved contract to make him higher paid than Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the club’s vice-presidents, Javier Faus, said he saw no reason ‘why the contract of this gentleman should be improved when it was revised only two years ago’.
The ‘This gentleman’ comment infuriated Messi, who responded by telling the media that Faus knew nothing about football and ran the club like a business and after following Chelsea on Twitter the media was in full blown mania over a potential move to London.
The situation seems smoothed out for now as Messi is yet again the board’s favourite son. However, controversy is never far away with the Barca hierarchy and the relationship between the two is certainly volatile.
The search for a new challenge
Messi has won everything in Spain and with his international career (so far) ending in heartbreaking defeats in finals, he may decide he wants a new challenge to win trophies in a new country.
There’s nothing left for him to achieve at Barcelona aside from repeating history and consolidating his already cemented place in history as the greatest ever player to ever play at the Nou Camp. He’s won two trebles with the Catalan’s and every other trophy available over his career.
With fans having short memories, the weight of carrying a club like Barca and expectations for perfection may take its toll. His motivation to repeat history as opposed to making new history at a club is a crucial factor in this decision.
Neymar becomes top dog
Messi who?
During the Argentine’s injury absence, Brazil captain Neymar has stepped out of his shadow to score 10 goals in 10 games to keep Barca on a winning run. His form has made many question Barca’s reliance on Messi and whether Neymar is finally stepping up to be the top dog at the club.
They played well together last season, and Neymar is always humble in denouncing his claim to be Barca’s best player by praising Messi as a genius and the world best. However, in the next few years with Messi ageing, Neymar (or perhaps another superstar) will challenge Messi for the club superiority and such competition could see the Argentine explore other options.