On 5 August, it became known that the Argentine striker, widely considered the best player in the history of football, will not continue with Barcelona. The club's president, Joan Laporta, revealed on Friday that signing Messi would have put the club at financial risk for 50 years.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that another day, another transfer rumour about Lionel Messi. This time the Argentine has been linked to the Qatari club Al Sadd, Soccegator reported, citing its sources. Sputnik has been unable to verify the claim. According to the outlet, the club offered the Argentine superstar, who will turn 35 next year, a three-year contract worth $1 billion.

Al Sadd is managed by another Barcelona legend Xavi, who in the past voiced interest in working with Messi as a coach.