The flamboyant forward from Barcelona, who celebrates his 21st birthday on June 24th has expressed his desire to stay with the Catalan club. Even though Chelsea is keen to sign him, Lionel Messi has said that he intend to be with Barcelona in the long run.
With 16 goals this season adding to his tally of 19 in the previous season, Lionel Messi achieved 2nd place behind the creative Brazilian, Kaka of AC Milan for the coveted prize of the World’s Best Football Player 2007.
The young superstar has often been compared to the silky skills of the Argentinian legend, Diego Maradona, who spearheaded Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 when the Argentinians beat Germany.
Lionel Messi joined Barcelona as as 13-year old with their under-14 squad and has attracted the Barcelona youth squad before being thrown into the fray with the Catalan giants’ senior team in the La Liga. He first appeared as a substitute in the 2004/2005 season and featured in the Champions League in the same season as well. His current contract runs till 2014.
Looks like Chelsea will have to look for other alternatives as Russian billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich, looks to strengthen his side with more superstars.
