Messi: I’d never play for another European club

Lionel Messi says he would never leave Barcelona for another European club but could end his career in Argentina if he leaves the Nou Camp.

Messi has been linked with Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain but has again stressed that he would like to finish his career at Barca.

And if the 28-year-old does ever leave the Catalans, he is adamant it will be for a club outside of Europe.

“I’d never play for another European club,” Messi told France Football. “Barcelona is my home and I want to retire here.

“However, it’s possible I could end my career in Argentina. Anything could happen in the future, but I want to stay here”.

Messi, who recently won the Ballon d’Or for the fifth time, feels he is now fully over his injury problems but is not bothered whether he wins the world player of the year again.

“I’m in much better shape than in previous years,” he said. “I had injuries in 2013 and 2014 that meant I wasn’t at the top of my game, whereas now I am.

“I feel I’m back at the level I was at three or four seasons ago.

“If another Ballon d’Or comes along then great, but if I don’t win any more, it’s no big deal.

“I’m not obsessed with that trophy. On the contrary, my obsession is with titles won as a team”.