Footballer Lionel Messi is the biggest star in the world right now in his sport, especially with his Barcelona club becoming La Liga league champions. The only problem with Messi playing at his highest level of performance and securing the title for the club is now they might not be able to afford to keep his services. With Messi in his prime, he is set to cash in, and because of the strict tax laws of Spain, club officials are now wondering if Messi will leave for a better payday. One other reason for worry is the supposed feud between the Barca star and the club's Manager Luis Enrique.
Eurosport.com has Barcelona's vice president Javier Faust explaining to German newspaper Handelsblatt about the club's financial situation:
"Right now we are no longer able to pay the best wages as teams such as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain do that. You must understand that players always compare their net salary, and what we pay them here in Spain has the highest tax burden in Europe."
Even though Barcelona doesn't think they will be able to retain the top player in the world doesn't mean the club isn't going to stop showering him with praise. Goal.com tells of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu exclaiming to RAC1 his admiration for the star:
"Messi is the best ever. Other players [Ronaldo and Kaka] might have won the Ballon d'Or while he's been starring for Barca but Messi deserved them all."
Bartomeu also shot down the rumors of tension between Messi and manager Luis Enrique:
"Messi and Luis Enrique's relationship is 10 out of 10. We are delighted with Luis Enrique, as are all of the players."
Will Barcelona be able to retain Messi? Is Messi the best ever? Tell us your thoughts below.
