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Lionel Messi discusses Barcelona future and makes World Cup walk pledge
BARCELONA star Lionel Messi has reignited speculation about his future after again confirming he wants to play in Argentina before he retires.
Lionel Messi says he wants to play for Newell's Old Boys
Barcelona want Lionel Messi to sign a new contract but the Argentina international is yet to pledge his future to the club.
Messi’s current deal expires next summer and Manchester City are said to be interested in the 30-year-old.
Messi will likely seek a world-record pay package with whichever club he eventually signs for.
But the forward remains keen on one day playing for his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys.
In an interview in Russia ahead of Argentina’s international friendly on Saturday, Messi was asked about his ambitions before retirement.
Lionel Messi secured Argentina's World Cup qualification last month
I would love to play at Newell’s
"I would love to play at Newell’s,” he said.
“It's a long-term dream, but the truth is that I do not know what can happen.”
Barcelona star Messi saved Argentina World Cup qualification embarrassment last tie out with three goals in the 3-1 win over Ecuador that earned them progression to Russia 2018.
Argentina reached the World Cup final in Brazil three years ago, losing 1-0 to Germany.
Newell's Old Boys is Lionel Messi's boyhood club
Asked what he would do is he won the final next summer, Lionel Messi said: "If we win the World Cup, I promise to walk to San Nicolas (a town 165 mils from Buenos Aires).
“Winning the World Cup is all we want.
"I would like to avoid Spain in the World Cup group because they would be a very difficult opponent, the candidates are Spain, Brazil, Germany and France."