La Liga

Griezmann on Messi saga: 'It's between him and the club'

The Argentine is close to departing Barcelona after being with the club for 20 years

 
10:12am on Friday 4th September 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Antoine Griezmann hopes that Lionel Messi will ultimately stay at Barcelona, but concedes that the issue is solely between the player and the club.

Last week, Messi stunned the Blaugrana when he sent a fax to club officials detailing his desire to have his contract terminated, which would free him up to move to another team.

The news sent shockwaves through European football, with Manchester City and Inter reportedly leading the way to claim his signature.

Messi's father Jorge met with Barca on Thursday to discuss his son's future, and although no major developments came, it is believed Messi is warming to the idea of remaining at the Camp Nou for another year.

READ MORE:

Messi could actually stay at Barca, admits father

The confusion over Messi's contract clause, explained

La Liga statement confirms Lionel Messi's 700m release clause is active

Ramos wants Clasico rival Messi to stay at Barcelona

Griezmann, who had an underwhelming debut campaign with Barca, arguably failing to prosper in the shadow of Messi, says he hopes the club captain will stay.

"We are trying to stay updated with the issue, but it is between him and the club," the Frenchman told M6 ahead of his team's Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Croatia.

"We only hope that he stays. I am trying to stay focused on the national team and prepare well for the next two games.

"We have heard a little of everything but we don't know anything else about all this affair."

Griezmann could be set for a more key role with Barca next season regardless of how the Messi saga turns out, as the club have already informed Luis Suarez that he has no future at the Camp Nou.

The Uruguayan is thought to be close to a move to Juventus.

Latest news

Ligue 1

Monaco claim first league triumph in 17 years - Ligue 1 in 2016-17

Leonardo Jardim's exciting young side end PSG's dominance over French football

  • 12 hours
Bundesliga

When Klopp's young guns stopped Bayern in their tracks - Bundesliga in 2010/11

Bundesliga 2010-11: Klopp’s young team bring title to Dortmund, as they finally overcome Bayern Munich as well as Leverkusen.

  • 13 hours
Serie A

Conte returns to make Juventus unbeatable - Serie A in 2011/12

Serie A 2011-12: Antonio Conte returns to make Juventus unbeatable, as the Old Lady win the championship without losing a single game.

  • 14 hours
La Liga

No Pep, but no problem as Barca claw title back from Madrid - La Liga in 2012/13

La Liga 2012-13: Barcelona win the Spanish Primera Division under head coach Tito Vilanova, who had served as assistant to Pep Guardiola.

  • 15 hours
Premier League

When United put Chelsea back in their place - the Premier League in 2010/11

Manchester United won the Premier League with just 80 points, as the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City failed to keep pace.

  • 16 hours
Premier League

Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea end United’s monopoly - the 2009/10 Premier League

Chelsea won the league on the last day of the season for boss Carlo Ancelotti, as Manchester United finished second by a point.

  • 17 hours

Most read