As English Premier League clubs continue to be linked with a move for Lionel Messi, the Argentine has taken the step to nip all those rumours in the bud by insisting the only club he will ever play for in Europe will be Barcelona.
Messi, the best player in the world at the moment after winning his fifth Ballon d'Or crown earlier this month, was thought to be considering a move to the Premier League in the summer, with Manchester City the favourites, since the team in blue are expected to instate Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona boss, as their new manager for next season.
However, having already said a few times in the past that he does not see himself leaving Barcelona, Messi emphatically ended all rumours by saying he cannot play for another club in Europe.
"I have always said that Barcelona is my home and that I want to retire at this club," Messi told France Football according to the Daily Mirror. "I could never play for another European club than Barcelona.
"Anything can happen in football, but I have no doubts about what I want, and what I want is to stay here at Barcelona."
The 28-year-old, however, does envisage moving back to Argentina sometime in the future, as he wants to experience football in his home country, having never played there professionally. Messi left for Barcelona when he was a little kid.
"I would like to play in Argentina, because I left when I was still little," Messi added. "I would like to know how it is to be part of the Argentine game."
Messi was not risked in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinal against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, after the Argentine picked up a hamstring problem in the win over the same side in the La Liga last Sunday. Barcelona, though, even without Messi and the suspended Luis Suarez, took a 2-1 first leg lead back to the Camp Nou, thanks to goals from Munir El Haddadi and Neymar.
