Barcelona Transfer News: Lionel Messi Warned Against Exit amid Ongoing Rumours

Ariedo Braida, Barcelona’s international sporting director, has insisted it would be a “mistake” for Lionel Messi to leave the Camp Nou but has not completely ruled out the prospect of the Argentine moving away from Catalonia.

The Italian told Radio Anch'io Sport (h/t Ben Nagle of the MailOnline) the four-time Ballon d'Or winner should remain at Barcelona even though there are a few sides that could potentially trigger his massive release clause:

"

[Messi] is a very strong player and is the icon of world football. He sells lots of shirts around the world, it's extraordinary. 

The president [Josep Maria Bartomeu] always says that Messi is an alien. I think and hope that economically he's unapproachable for other clubs.  Even if you have to pay attention to new investors, Messi has a release clause of €250 million (£179million) and for most teams that is an unattainable figure.

Leo in Barcelona is much-loved by all, I think it would be a mistake for him to change team.

"

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Around the turn of the year, there were a flurry of rumours surrounding the Argentine, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly interested in bringing Messi to the Premier League, per James Dickenson of the Daily Express.

But they’ve subsequently died down, and the Barcelona man is showing his commitment to the cause with some extraordinary performances on the pitch.

As noted by Squawka Football, Messi’s recent displays have been absolutely ridiculous:

His surge in form has been timely too. Inspired by Messi, Barcelona are now perched atop of La Liga, on the cusp of the Champions League quarter-finals and have a chance to move four points clear of Real Madrid when the eternal rivals go head-to-head at the Camp Nou this weekend.

There’s definitely a valid standpoint to argue Messi should go in search of pastures new. After all, he’s won everything there is to win with Barcelona on myriad occasions, and the prospect of new challenges could potentially push this phenomenal footballer on to stratospheric new heights.

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Despite previous rumours suggesting he and manager Luis Enrique had fallen out, per Nagle’s piece, Messi seems content in Barcelona. At the moment, he's arguably part of the finest attacking triumvirate in the world too, something discussed here by Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Indeed, it seems the boss is happy with his star man, as was evident in the wake of the club’s recent 2-0 win over Eibar thanks to another brace from the iconic No. 10, according to Barcastuff:

"

Luis Enrique: "No matter where Messi plays, he will be great. If Leo would play as full back, he'd be unstoppable too... He's the best."

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 13, 2015"

While a new league, new teammates and a new system would potentially stir something in Messi, his insatiable attitude to the game seems irrepressible regardless of the occasion or opposition.

At this juncture, he seems as hungry as ever at Barcelona, and there are few sides better equipped to help the Argentine add to his already illustrious haul of silverware.