Barcelona international sporting director Ariedo Braida has admitted that Lionel Messi departing the Camp Nou “could happen”.
Former Milan sporting director Braida was appointed to a new technical committed set-up by Barca in mid-February, with the aim of planning the squad for next season.
In an interview with Esport 3 alongside Carlos Rexach, another member of the committee, Braida attempted to explain some of the details of his work with the Catalan outfit.
“I have 30 years’ experience and contacts throughout the world. I have friends all over. In Brazil, Argentina, Europe…
“I’ve come here with great humility and believe I can be good for the future of this club. It’s important to think about signing players for a year or two from now. I’ve been at big clubs like Milan and always worked with anticipation.
“As for Messi, I think it’s almost impossible he will leave but with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, who have so much money, it could happen. Sometimes strange things occur.
“But he’s a phenomenon, an extra-terrestrial who is comparable to Maradona and Pele,” he asserted.