Lionel Messi has explained that he ‘does not want to leave’ Barcelona but once again expressed his regret at not winning the Champions League.
The club have failed to reach the European Cup final in any of the past four campaigns while Messi’s future at the Catalan giants have been called into question in recent months.
It has been claimed that the star’s contract at the club has a clause which allows him to exit at the end of any given season, should he so wish.
Reports have claimed although there is no hurry for contract negotiations to begin, both Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu and Messi's father Jorge, are both in permanent contact.
Messi – who has 419 goals in 452 appearances for the club, spanning 15 seasons – will be offered a deal for life and the Blaugrana have no doubt their star man will be staying put at the Camp Nou for the foreseeable future.
“Barcelona is my home and I don't want to leave, but I want to win. I want to win the Champions League, it's been a long time since we won it,” Messi told an exclusive interview with Diario Sport.
The player has never hidden the fact that he would love to return to Rosario and play for his first club Newell's Old Boys.
Recent reports suggested his time at Camp Nou might be coming to an end with the confirmation that although his contract expires in 2021, he could level next summer.
But it seems the club are focused more than ever to tie down their idol with this lifelong contract offer on the table.
