La Liga: Pique Unsure About Messi's Barcelona Future

 

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes while the possibility of star striker, Lionel Messi, following in the footsteps of Argentinian legend Diego Maradona by turning out for Napoli is quite distinct, it shouldn't be ruled out altogether.

Messi and Barcelona face Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with the fixture having led to fresh comparisons between Messi and Diego Maradona, an Argentina icon who starred at Napoli.

Pique, while not ruling out the possibility, hopes the current Barcelona captain remains at the Spanish champions for the duration of his playing career.

"You can never say never in football, but I guess that is complicated," he told reporters at a sports conference.

"You should ask him as he decides his future. I would like him to retire with us. I can't tell you more."

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Messi has scored 23 goals in 28 games in all competitions for Barcelona this season and with the recent social media controversy surrounding the club, Pique wants Barcelona to remain focused.

"We just try to be focused on our task as for this club in the last few years it has been massive what happens on the pitch," he told a news conference.

"Just the results have been holding back the entire club, so we know how important it is [to get results].

"The responsibility we have as Barcelona players to try to keep winning on the pitch. If not, there will be troubled water."

Despite the off-field controversy, Barca are two points clear atop La Liga and go into their tie with Napoli as favorites.

However,  Pique is not going to be carried away and has warned his teammates about the quality of the Serie A side.

"It is the first time Barca comes to Napoli to play at such a historic stadium. A football player always want to live new experiences, so coming here is one of them," he said.

"Regarding Napoli, they have improved a lot lately. They did not start well this season but have improved a lot lately. It will be a very difficult one.

"They have beaten Juventus and they beat Liverpool at the group stage. They raise their level against the big teams, so we will have to be very concentrated in order not to get badly surprised."