Lionel Messi could remain at Barcelona for another season, his father has admitted, after holding talks with the club to attempt to resolve his contract dispute.
Jorge Messi, who is his son's agent, yesterday told reporters that it would be 'difficult' for Lionel to remain at Barcelona, saying he had not spoken to Manchester City or Pep Guardiola about a potential move.
City continue to be linked with Messi, but will wait until his contract situation is resolved to discover whether a move would be viable.
But after Messi Sr held talks with Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu yesterday, it appears he is no closer to leaving the Spanish side, who insist he has another year on his contract. Messi believes he has activated a clause allowing him to leave for free and he is no longer a Barcelona player.
When asked by a reporter from Deporte Cuatro if Messi could yet remain at Barcelona for another season, Jorge Messi replied: "Yes."
He added that the meeting with Bartomeu was 'very good', before driving away.
Yesterday, Messi Sr said he didn't know if Messi would remain at the Nou Camp, as he was followed around Barcelona by reporters before and after his meeting with Bartomeu. Reports suggest Messi's brother Rodrigo and a lawyer were present in the meeting, with Bartomeu and board member Javier Bordas representing Barcelona.
In the last 24 hours, the bookmakers have moved City into second favourites to be Messi's club after the October transfer deadline, with Barcelona now odds-on favourites to be where he plays next season.
