Henry gives verdict on Lionel Messi's future

Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi with the 2008/09 LaLiga title won under Pep Guardiola

Henry gives verdict on Lionel Messi's future

Faruq Ibrahim 23:33 - 02.04.2023

Thierry Henry speaks on Lionel Messi's future.

Thierry Henry is the recent person to weigh in on Lionel Messi's future, and the Arsenal legend believes the 35-year-old should call his time at Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi's contract with PSG expires at the end of the campaign, and although he has been reportedly tabled an offer for an extension, his future remains uncertain, with Barcelona lurking and looking to pounce.  

'He has to return to Barcelona' — Henry 

Henry was speaking ahead of PSG's match against Lyon where spoke on his former teammates future.  

Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry

Henry revealed that he would like Messi to return to Barcelona at some point, as he thought he did not leave in a manner befitting his standing in the game, and at the club. 

The former Monaco manager, however, says he enjoys seeing Messi in Ligue 1, and is not calling for his exit from PSG, but will like to see Messi end his career at Barcelona, citing his love for the game. 

Henry also spoke on the boos which Messi was subjected to by Les Parisians fans, hinting at it as a possible reason why La Pulga will want to head back to the club were it all started for him. 

"I would like to see him finish his career at Barça, it’s a wish,” Henry said, per GFFN.

“I’m not saying he should leave PSG or not leave PSG. I’m happy to see him in the French league. But the boos last time didn’t help. 

"Thirteen goals, thirteen assists (in Ligue 1 this season), we’re talking about the current best player in the world, OK?”

"It’s about the love of the game, for what he did for this club,” he said. “He didn’t leave as he should have. It’s something that still bothers me, and I think it bothers him too.”

Henry shared the pitch with Messi from 2007 to 2010 as teammates at Barcelona, and they won the 2009 Champions League title together.

Barca plot Messi return 

Meanwhile, several members of the Barcelona leadership have publicly expressed their desire to bring Lionel Messi back to the club on a free transfer when his contract expires this June.  

However, the World Cup winner has also been tabled an offer by his current club, Paris Saint-Germain. With Barcelona's financial troubles, they are not expected to be able to match PSG's offer salary-wise, instead, they have reportedly prepared an incentive-based package.

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