Rivaldo: “It will be Messi's last season at Barcelona”

Rivaldo, FC Barcelona legend and Betfair ambassador, It is almost impossible for Leo Messi to continue at the culé club beyond this season according to the sporting and social events that are surrounding the Camp Nou. “I cannot imagine how the new directive will convince him to take a step back in his decision to leave. seeing that Barcelona does not have great resources to retain him“Rivaldo was sincere.

“Is that Messi you will have better and very important offers from other teams. If we add to this that Barcelona will have to apply salary cuts and that Messi already wanted to leave at the end of last season, the situation is complex “, continued evaluating a Rivaldo that barely leaves a single path to hope.

“Only if they win the Champions or LaLiga this season, or if Koeman manages to put together a team that plays football wellOnly in this way can I imagine Messi reconsidering his position… although I insist: I'm afraid it will be his last season at Barcelona. And it's very sad, of course, “said the Betfair ambassador.

“It is not the moment for Neymar to return”

In the environment of FC Barcelona, ​​the option of Neymar being Messi's replacement if the Argentine leaves Barcelona has been considered in recent weeks. But Rivaldo does not believe that it is the moment for the return of the Brazilian. “I do believe that Neymar may return one day, contrary to what is said, but I believe that now is not the time for him to return“.

For the Betfair ambassador the reasons are clear. “The new president of Barcelona, ​​whoever he is, I do not think he will make a decision as potentially controversial as trying to return Neymar. In addition, let's face it, the financial situation of the club makes its signing very difficult“, analyzed the 1999 Ballon d'Or.

Rivaldo also believes that the return is complicated by Neymar's own side. “Now he looks happy in Paris and is even thinking about renovatingSo I don't think it's a close possibility in the time I return to Barcelona. At least now. Maybe in the future, “the 2002 world champion left an open door.

“Barcelona has to manage to sign”

Despite the difficult economic situation of FC Barcelona, ​​Rivaldo believes that the club has to manage to sign any reinforcements up front in the next winter market. “Barcelona really you need to sign at least one striker who can add punch to the team. They will have to figure it out and dive into the market to find a ram that is inexpensive and has quality. Or someone willing to lower their salary in order to play for Barcelona“insisted the Betfair ambassador, who for weeks has been stressing the need for reinforcements.

“I know that the board will think twice before making any transfer in the midst of the situation of cuts and how complicated the issue of salaries is, but I insist that Barcelona must sign at least one striker“Rivaldo confirmed.

“If he is recovered, Coutinho must start in Madrid”

Regarding the match between Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona in Madrid, Rivaldo opted for the presence of Coutinho in the eleven instead of Pedri. “I think Koeman should choose him. Surely Koeman will choose the one who is performing the best in training beyond the fact that Pedri is very young. But I think that, from experience and from the respect that Coutinho can impose, my compatriot would be much more dangerous if he is 100% recovered“, valued Rivaldo.

“Even without Suárez, I don't see Barcelona winning easy in Madrid”

Rivaldo believes that the absence of Luis Suárez in Atlético de Madrid against FC Barcelona will favor the Catalans, but warns that not as much as you might think. “I imagine a very tough game for Barcelona. Atlético is a direct rival for LaLigaSo, even if Suárez doesn't play, I don't think Barcelona is going to win easily in Madrid, “added the Betfair ambassador, who also understood the frustration that the Uruguayan can suffer for not being against his exes.

“Knowing how they discarded it, Luis would be crazy to play and show that the board was wrong. His loss favors Barcelona, ​​but even so it will continue to be a very tough test, “concluded Rivaldo.