New president, project may have bearing on Messi’s future at Barca, feels Hierro

KOLKATA: Lionel Messi’s future at FC Barcelona has been a matter of intense debate ever since he handed in a transfer request just before the start of the season. Although he decided to stay ostensibly to avoid a legal wrangle with the Catalan giants there is still no clarity as to where he will be next season.
There are many who feel that the Argentine will be embarking on a new journey in the 2021-22 season although Messi himself has said nothing about it so far.
Former Real Madrid star Fernando Hierro is of the opinion that the upcoming elections at FC Barcelona will also play a role in whether Messi decides to extend his stay at the club or not.
“They have the elections. I think who becomes the new president and what sporting project and plans the president comes in with may also have a bearing on his decision. It is his decision but I, like many others, would surely love to see him continue to play in Spain,” said the LaLiga ambassador during a webinar organised by the league on Wednesday.In case Messi leaves La Liga, Hierro is confident that the Spanish league will see through it.
“Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo also left. The Clasico, the derbies, the competitiveness all make La Liga a worldwide spectacle. The structure and project La Liga is, it is above individual players,” added Hierro.
The former Spain international also hopes that Sergio Ramos would stay on at Real Madrid. “Without a doubt, Real Madrid should look to keep Ramos at the club. He has been putting in fantastic performances and is a great leader on the pitch. He is a true professional.”
Atletico Madrid has been going steady this season and they comfortably occupy the top spot. It now remains to be seen whether they can maintain the momentum till the end of the season.
“They have been the most consistent so far. It was an important decision by the club to sign Luis Suarez and they have, like always, shown tremendous teamwork. They are a very strong side. However, this season is very demanding and different with many matches in quick succession and the health and wellbeing of the players would be crucial,” analysed Hierro.
Asked whether the current Spain national team has the potential to replicate the glorious chapter that was achieved by the country between 2008 to 2012, Hierro said, “It is very difficult to compare the two teams. At that time, Spain had seven or eight extremely good players and it is not always possible to get so many players of such quality at the same time. However, Spain will have a fantastic national team. I really hope that Spain will be European champions this year.”