Former world footballer of the year,  Rivaldo has said that Argentine star, Lionel Messi won’t leave Barcelona for another club in Europe.

Rivaldo, who had played for AC Milan during his time in Italy, is reacting to a recent transfer link of the Barcelona skipper with Inter.

Inter President Massimo Moratti is aiming to bring the talisman to the club. This would resume the rivalry between him and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is already shining at Juventus. Ronaldo had left Real Madrid two seasons ago for the Turin giant, where he won the footballer of the year in the league in his first season.

The former Barcelona striker recalled that he always claimed that Messi wouldn’t leave Barcelona for another European club.

Messi has a year left in his deal, but there is a clause in his contract which could let him move for free this summer. The speculation has been on due to the present disagreement with some top hierarchy in the club.

Speaking further, Rivaldo, who is a world cup winner with the Brazilian team in 2002, said Messi would only leave his present club and moved to a different continent.

While nothing that Messi has no reason to leave Spain,  Rivaldo said if he eventually does, which would happen one day, then he could move to a Chinese club or go to the MLS.

While admitting that he would reap a lot of financial benefits if he decides to join the Nerrazurri, Rivaldo said the financial motive wouldn’t be enough to convince Messi, saying it’s all speculation.

While noting that Inter Milan is a great European side that has attracted top-class players in the past and won titles, Rivaldo said he is not imagining Messi moving away Catalona while he is still in top form.

Meanwhile, the resumption of action in the Serie A is looking unlikely as the government continues to battle the spread of COVID-19.

Itlay is presently the epicenter of the dreaded virus that has killed over 95,000 people globally and left over 1,200,000 infected.

As a result of the present situation, the Italian Government is expected to extend the lockdown beyond May 3, which it initially announced.

Serie A clubs are allowed to resume training before then with the hope that the number of cases will drop significantly.

Written by:  Oladipupo Mojeed