Barcelona Transfer Rumors: Leo Messi Says He'll End Career At Camp Nou After Contract Battle With Javier Faus

Despite missing nearly 60 days due to a significant hamstring injury, Lionel Messi was back on the pitch Wednesday where quickly returned to his usual form. Notching two goals in Barcelona’s 4-0 thumping of Getafe in the opening leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16, the 26-year-old superstar didn’t seemed to be bothered by the hamstring and thigh problems that have been lingering since last season. Though he did not find a spot in the first XI upon his return, Messi looked like his typical self when he was inserted into the game with just over 30 minutes remaining in the match.

While his reinsertion into the Barca lineup will undoubtedly help the club in its quest to claim the 2013-2014 La Liga championship, the Argentine found himself in a very public war of words with team vice president Javier Faus during his rehabilitation time. The exchange of comments began last month after Faus told reporters that he does not feel the club needs to reconfigure Leo Messi’s contract on a regular basis. Catalonia Radio asked the Barca VP about whether or not the international superstar would be handed another raise, something Faus did not deem necessary.

“I do not know why we have to do it again,” he said. “We do not have to improve a contract every six months.” Messi remains under contract with the La Liga giants until June of 2018 but the four-time Ballon d’Or winner was not happy to come across as someone who constantly asks for added income. In response to the words of his team’s vice president, Messi said that he hasn’t approached anyone at Camp Nou nor has anyone on his side asked for a more lucrative contract.

“Barcelona is the best club in the world and should be represented by the best board members, too,” he said. “Senor Faus is someone who doesn’t know anything about football and wants to manage Barcelona like a business, which it is not. Besides, I would remind him that neither I nor anyone from my camp has asked for any wage increase and he knows that very well.”

Following the war or words that captured the attention of the Barcelona loyalists, Messi dismissed the idea that he would finish his career away from the Blaugrana.

"I want to retire here,” Messi said. “While people want me, I want to spend my whole career at FC Barcelona. My excitement to play is always there but it is true that these past two months have been difficult. Mentally I'm rested. I'm happy, very excited and very eager to achieve things. I'm here to add to the team, to help the team achieve its goals. Very difficult months are ahead but we will fight like we always have at this club.”

Messi and Barcelona are currently tied atop the La Liga standings with Atletico Madrid, a club they’ll face in their next match on Jan. 11.