Barcelona forward Lionel Messi says he cannot rule out moving from the club one day but stressed that he has no interest in leaving the European champions.
Messi, 28, won a record fifth FIFA Ballon d’Or award last week ahead of Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and his Barcelona teammate Neymar.
The Argentina attacker outlined his future plans in an interview with France Football magazine that was published on Wednesday.
“In football, anything can happen, but my idea and my desire is to stay at Barcelona,” Messi said.
When pressed on whether a move to Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain would tempt him in the future, Messi suggested that he could stay at Barcelona for the rest of his career.
“Once again, anything can happen in football but I’m sure of what I want, and what I want to stay here in Barcelona,” he said.
Brazilian attacker Neymar, 23, finished well behind Messi and Ronaldo in this year’s vote for football’s top individual award.
Messi, though, believes his club teammate should claim the prize at some stage during his career.
“I think Neymar will one day win the Ballon d’Or because he has all the qualities required and because he’s a top-class player,” Messi said.
“He’ll be whatever he wants to be. Everything is open for him. He’s quick, technical, excellent in one-on-ones — he has everything.”
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu also spoke to France Football and indicated that he would try to make sure that Messi stays in Catalonia.
“Yes, until he retires,” Bartomeu said. “After that, he can go wherever he wants. You know, we have contracts. And, above all, Leo is still young.
“I believe he still has some great years ahead of him. And us too, along with him. Because life with Leo is easier all the same.