31 Aug 2020 00:58:39
Morning Ed, I really hope this doesn't annoy you I know it isn't a question you like but its the worlds greatest player and your so much more informative then any garbage read in papers or twitter.

Do you see messi moving this summer and if I could push you do you see him coming to the prem, if just love to see him play in the prem even if it is for city be nice for my kid to see him live. Just wondered what your opinion on the matter is do you see this has a power play or genuine attempt to leave and do you see Barcelona and la Liga backing down from the current stance of 700m or no deal apologises in advance I know ordinarily this is a question you wouldn't like to answer but every football fan is wondering. Thanks mate.

{Ed002's Note - Lionel Messi (F) The plan was to leave next summer and not this, it is possible he will leave before next summer now. In terms of clubs who could potentially put a suitable package together, there would only likely be Manchester City (who could use Gabriel Jesus and Eric Garcia in exchange but also have Guardiola intending to leave next summer), Juventus (who can likely be discounted as they are working to a fixed plan), PSG (who could look to use Neymar in a deal - but they would be less attractive to the player and Neymar is no longer in the plans of Barcelona) and Inter Milan (who have the chance to offer Lautaro Martinez in any transaction and Javier Zanetti will look to sell the project and tax laws which would keep the cost to the club to lower than competitors). Other sides who are financially in a position to take him (Bayern Munich, Chelsea etc.) have other plans. He will have no interest in playing in China or the Middle East. Barcelona will look to demand the €700M buy out clause in his contract but in reality know that if Messi were to force the move it would see a fee of around €200M including players. One expectation is that Messi will start taking English lessens and Manchester City will offer Messi a 2 years plus 1 year deal with Guardiola giving assurances he will extend by 2 years as well. One day perhaps a season at Inter Miami, Boca or Newell's OB before retirement.}

1.) 31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020 12:39:51
Really appreciate that Ed I know it’s not the kind of question you like but thanks, feels so strange to want a player to come even if it isn’t for you right team he’s just mesmerising to watch at times thanks again mate.

2.) 04 Sep 2020
04 Sep 2020 12:37:03
Hi Ed, I'm just curious about the Messi to Boca at the end of his career rumours I've seen around a bit. To my understanding he was always more sympathetic towards River Plate than Boca Juniors, and also tried out at the club before moving to Barca. I think it was Maxi Lopez who said he used to watch River's matches with Leo when they were in the Argentina youth team, but Messi has always publicly supported Newells because to support one of Boca or River would massively split public opinion of him in Argentina. Incidentally when he went to the Bernabeu to watch the Libertadores final there was a close up of him as Boca scored, and he seemed to have either no reaction at all or leaning slightly towards a negative reaction. And then there was the goal he scored against River in the club world cup and immediately apologised to the fans for.

Sorry this is getting a bit longwinded but I've always taken all this to show he favours River to Boca, so I'm now wondering why Boca is coming up every time as a club for Messi to retire at, is it due to them possibly being in a stronger financial position? Or following on from legends like Maradona and Riquelme?

Appreciate any insights, thanks!

{Ed002's Note - It is someway down the line and one day perhaps a season at Inter Miami, Boca or Newell's OB before retirement - players do not always get the chance to play for clubs they support as a child.}

3.) 05 Sep 2020
04 Sep 2020 18:56:14
With messi staying ed002 does this effect interest in mane and put it off to next season?

{Ed002's Note - Mane was offered to Barcelona - not the other way around.}

4.) 05 Sep 2020
05 Sep 2020 14:56:30
Thanks ed002, I am guessing by his agents. Similar to Salah with Madrid last season?