"We can put Messi in a flat next to La Catedral" - Former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic wants PSG superstar Lionel Messi to join him at Sevilla
Former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic has invited Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Lionel Messi to join him at Sevilla, saying that the Argentine would enjoy his time in Andalusia. He also added that Sevilla would give Messi a flat next to La Catedral, the most famous tourist attraction in Seville.
With his PSG contract expiring in June, speculation about Messi’s future has been intensifying. It's believed that PSG have tabled an extension offer for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner, but he's yet to accept it.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have revealed that they have held talks with Messi’s camp over a possible summer transfer, while Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have reportedly offered him a whopping €400 million annual contract.
In an interview with Diario AS, Rakitic was asked about the Argentina icon’s future, to which he replied:
“(Laughs). I wish (Messi comes) here (Seville). If Messi wants to enjoy football, life and the city, he will end up in Seville this afternoon. He won't be better off anywhere else.
“All teams would want to have Leo no matter what, if necessary, we can put him in a flat next to La Catedral. He is a unique player, and he has earned the right to decide what he wants to do with his future. We all want to hear his decision very much, but the important thing is to enjoy his football for much longer.”
Messi is yet to comment on his future, but he has done his talking on the pitch this season. The 35-year-old has played 34 games for PSG this season, scoring 19 goals and claiming 18 assists across competitions.
Robert Lewandowski wants to play with PSG superstar Lionel Messi next season
Like Ivan Rakitic, Barcelona sharpshooter Robert Lewandowski has also expressed his desire to become Lionel Messi’s teammate.
#FCB
Robert Lewandowski: “Messi belongs to Barcelona, it’d be incredible to see him back here. We know his place is Barça”, says via @mundodeportivo 🔵🔴 #FCB
“I don’t know what’s gonna happen but I hope that next season Messi can play here and we can be together”. https://t.co/HZeC7CyHTI
Speaking with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Lewandowski said that Messi belonged to Barcelona and that it would be incredible if he returned to the club this summer.
“Messi belongs to Barca, and if he returns, it will be something incredible. We know that his place is here in Barcelona,” said Lewandowski. "I don't know what will happen, but I hope that next season we can play together.”
Lionel Messi bid a tearful goodbye to the Blaugrana in July 2021 after they failed to extend his contract due to Financial Fair Play restrictions. The Blaugrana are still battling that problem and can only make a bid for Messi after balancing their books and receiving the all-clear from La Liga.