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Lionel Messi blocks Coutinho's Barcelona move

Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has blocked a move for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho to join the Catalans as a replacement for Neymar.

By Snehanjan Banerjee
File Photo: Lionel Messi of Barcelona reacts to opponents scoring a goal

Bengaluru, August 23: Barcelona poster-boy Lionel Messi has scuppered Philippe Coutinho's potential move to the Nou Camp, amid rumours Ivan Rakitic or Sergi Roberto would be involved in a swap deal, according to Spanish media house 'Don Balon'.

The 5-time Ballon d'Or winner told the club no more players must be sold, after losing Brazil superstar Neymar to PSG in a world record £198million switch earlier this summer.

Despite this, Don Balon claim the Argentina captain would have been satisfied if any of Arda Turan, Paco Alcacer or Andre Gomes was involved in the deal but not his good friends Rakitic or Roberto.

The Reds rejected an improved £113million bid from Barcelona for their Brazilian, following which Barcelona finally said to be withdrawing their interest in the player on Sunday (August 20).

While, according to renowned Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, the Cope Del Rey holders are targeting the likes of Ousmane Dembele of Borussia Dortmund, Jean Seri of Nice and PSG's Angel di Maria as possible players to fill the hole left by Neymar.

It is hardly surprising to see Barcelona bending down to fulfil the wish of Lionel Messi considering what he has given to the club throughout his career. He is the undisputed king of Catalonia and they'd do anything to appease the king!

Ivan Rakitic was reported to be a makeweight for Coutinho which made Messi concerned. Despite the Croatian not having the best season last season, he remains in the good books of the Barcelona number ten and is also a good friend of the Argentine megastar.

Now, it looks like Barcelona's interest in Coutinho has finally ended as Liverpool have made a statement that they will not sell their priced asset at any cost. The fans will wait for Coutinho to return to action as soon as possible after he sorts out the situation with Jurgen Klopp.

Story first published: Wednesday, August 23, 2017, 11:30 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 23, 2017