Lionel Messi screamer sees Barcelona star celebrate first goal since transfer saga

Posted Thursday, September 17, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

Lionel Messi wanted out of Barcelona earlier this summer but he has put that behind him and is back to doing what he does best - producing the goods on the pitch

Lionel Messi is back to doing what he does best with the Barcelona star scoring a worldie in a pre-season clash against Girona.

Messi wanted out of the Nou Camp earlier this summer though performed a stunning U-turn and committed himself to Barca for another season.

And he scored his first goal since the saga, curling in off the post from the edge of the box with his right foot.

The goalkeeper did not move as Messi put Barcelona 2-0 up having assisted Philippe Coutinho for the opener.

There was little celebration from Messi, who was congratulated by his team-mates and let out a small smile.

Ronald Koeman, who replaced Quique Setien as boss, appeared unimpressed despite the fine strike, crossing his arms on the sideline.

Despite his change of heart, Messi hit out at the Barcelona board, including president Josep Maria Bartomeu, when announcing his decision.

The Argentine superstar believed he was able to depart on a free due to a clause in his contract though the club demanded €700m instead.

Lionel Messi screamer sees Barcelona star celebrate first goal since transfer saga
Lionel Messi scored his first goal of pre-season as Barcelona faced Girona

La Liga sided with Barcelona meaning Messi’s options were very limited.

"I thought and we were sure that I'd be a free agent," Messi told Goal.

"The president always told me that I could decide to stay or go at the end of the season and they're now clinging to the fact that I hadn't said anything by June 10, when it turns out that on June 10 the La Liga season was still ongoing and we were in the midst of this virus and this illness that altered the whole fixture calendar.

Lionel Messi screamer sees Barcelona star celebrate first goal since transfer saga
Messi curled his strike home with his right foot

"And that's the reason why I'm staying on at the club. I'm now staying because the president told me that the only way I could leave was by paying the €700m release clause, which is impossible.

"I'd never take Barca to trial because it's the club I love and that's given me everything since I joined.

"It's the club of my life, I'm settled here, Barca have given me everything and I've given them everything. The idea of taking Barca to trial never crossed my mind."