Koeman is not confident that Messi will stay at Barcelona next season

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman talked football, coaching, and Lionel Messi. The biggest talking point these days is about whether or not the meteoric Argentine will continue at Barcelona. Things have gotten increasingly difficult at the club and as is very well documented now, Messi came dangerously close to leaving last summer.

Ronald Koeman gave a heartfelt account of all the events that transpired following the utterly bitter to Barcelona’s 2019-20 season. Following the 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich, Quique Setien’s dismissal and Koeman’s arrival, the Dutch coach had a meeting with Messi at his house.

Speaking of the future, Koeman said that he is “not confident, but hopeful” of the Barça legend’s continuity. He also opens up further about his time at Everton, developing Pedri and Ansu Fati as well as Barcelona’s financial crisis.

“It was a difficult time. He’s still the best player but he was angry. He wasn’t happy he was in a team who lost 8-2 against Bayern Munich. He wanted to leave.

Speaking about the meeting he had with Leo and his future Koeman said: “I spoke to him in his house before the season, I made plans with him and he was really enthusiastic. Little by little he accepted the situation. But nobody knows what will happen in the future. I’m not confident he’ll stay but hopeful. I still don’t see Leo in any shirt other than the Barça shirt.”

After the infamous burofax and Messi’s heartfelt interview, there was little to no optimism about the Barça captain’s continuity at the club. The 33-year-old has since constantly been linked to a move away either to Manchester City or more recently to PSG. And just a couple of days prior, Messi was faced with another complex situation with the details of his contract being leaked. All signs thus far have pointed towards an exit, but his love for the club is unquestionable and hence, there may be hope still.