Lionel Messi Opens Up On His Situation At Barcelona Amid 'Difficult' Period

Despite FC Barcelona going through a "difficult" period, Lionel Messi says he is "excited" and is looking forward to helping his side win titles this season.

With four losses, three draws and six wins, Messi-led Barcelona have not had the best start to their La Liga campaign, and are currently placed fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

In the summer of 2020, Messi had put in a transfer request at Barcelona, and wanted to trigger a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave as a free agent. However, the Catalan club was firm that Messi's release clause of $834 million is still valid.

In order to avoid any kind of legal consequences, Messi decided to stay put and see through his contract at Barcelona that is due to expire at the end of 2020-21.

Messi, who recently equaled Brazil legend Pele's record of 643 goals for a club by scoring in Barcelona's recent draw against Valencia, admitted that his failed attempt to leave this summer has affected his form in the ongoing campaign. From 17 matches in 2020-21, across all tournaments, the Barcelona skipper has managed to score only nine goals.

"I dragged everything into the start of the season a bit. The truth is right now I'm feeling fine, but in the summer I had a very bad time," Messi said in an interview, BBC Sport reported.

It is understood that Messi may not sign an extension with Barcelona and hence, he'll be able to begin negotiations with other clubs at the upcoming transfer window, starting Jan. 1.

Messi, who has led Barcelona to many laurels including four Champions League trophies and 10 La Liga titles, also assured in the same interview that he is feeling good at the club right now.

"Right now I'm feeling good and looking forward to fighting for every competition we have ahead. I know the club is in a difficult moment at an institutional level and on the pitch and everything surrounding Barca right now is difficult, but I'm feeling excited," added Messi.

Amid the financial crisis infused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Barcelona's players agreed to wage cuts in November that will save the former La Liga champions $150 million.

After Josep Maria Bartomeu's resignation in October, the presidential elections at Barcelona are set to take place in January. Emili Rousaud, who is one of the candidates, recently stated in an interview that Messi will be asked to leave if he doesn't accept a pay cut.