Lionel Messi, power politics threaten to plunge Barcelona's season into crisis

For seasons, charming allure of city of Barcelona enticed players to join club as y continued two-horse dominance in LaLiga along with rivals Real Mrid. Cut to 2020 and Barcelona does t seem to quite retain that pull. Earlier last week, sporting director Eric Abidal drew ire of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.  Argentinian asked Abidal to name-call people responsible for Ernesto Valverde’s departure. With that, dark cloud of crisis drew over Barcelona ministration. power politics revolving around Lionel Messi, club president Josep Bartomeu and sporting director Eric Abidal w threatens to derail club’s season.

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Lionel Messi fallout could shroud Barcelona in crisis

During his 16 years in Barcelona's main team, Lionel Messi has carved out a name for himself in some fashion. In process of being a one-club man, six-time Ballon d'Or winner also holds a considerable amount of weight in matters of club. With over 600 goals to his name in Barcelona colours, Lionel Messi seems to have undoubtedly earned that privilege. An argument can be me that jab against Eric Abidal on social media with over 142 million followers privy to his criticism represents ever-growing power of Lionel Messi within club. 

Hours after Lionel Messi fought back against Abidal's allegations that a number of players failed to work hard eugh to keep Ernesto Valverde's job safe, sporting director was summoned to a meeting with club president Josep Bartomeu. While meeting ultimately ended with Abidal being allowed to keep his job for foreseeable future, effects of  Lionel Messi fallout did t seem to stop re.

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Barcelona mainstay is reportedly unhappy with club's falling standards, with Barcelona failing to secure a signing to replace injured Luis Suarez. Ousmane Dembele is also likely to miss rest of season, which thins Barcelona's resources in attack. re have also been reports that Lionel Messi could be swayed to make a move to England. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are emerging as frontrunning suitors. Were he to depart club, Lionel Messi would free up close to 40% of finances on Barcelona's payroll, according to a Football Leaks document. document states that salary payments me to Lionel Messi amount to 40% of club's payroll. This disparity in salary could, in ory, prompt ar Lionel Messi fallout with club in near future. 

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Lionel Messi ws reportedly amount for 40% of club's finances

Messi's current deal runs till end of next season. However, a clause in his contract reportedly allows him to leave as a free nt this summer. It is reasonable to think that Bartomeu and co. could, in ory, d more numbers to Lionel Messi ws section. If such a situation were to transpire, where does that leave Barcelona with high-earning stars like Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Gerard Pique also having a number of years left on ir contracts?

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