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Barcelona news: Lionel Messi tells team-mates he expects exit
BARCELONA star Lionel Messi has reportedly warned team-mates that he expects Andres Iniesta to leave the Nou Camp this summer.
Buffon pulls off sublime save to stop Iniesta
Iniesta underlined his enduring class on Tuesday night by laying on an expert assist for Messi as Barcelona drew with Chelsea in the Champions League.
But his time at the club is coming to an end and his long talked about heir Philippe Coutinho was snapped up in a £142m deal last month.
Iniesta has been the subject of interest from sides in the cash-rich Chinese Super League, where Javier Mascherano recently moved to from Barcelona.
And the latest reports in Spain suggest Messi believes the veteran playmaker will head for the exit door when the season draws to a close.
According to Diario Gol, Messi is aware that Iniesta wants to leave Barcelona on a high.
And he knows he’s keen not to endure playing a peripheral role, just as Xavi did.
That has apparently prompted Messi to tell Barcelona team-mates: "He’s leaving."
Lionel Messi expects Andres Iniesta to leave Barcelona in the summer
Barcelona's Iniesta best skills and goals ever in La Liga
Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta combined for Barcelona's equaliser against Chelsea on Tuesday night
Diario Gol reckon Barcelona's purchase of Coutinho was aimed at encouraging Iniesta that it’s time to move on.
And they suggest he has taken that hint while having his head turned by the money on offer in China.
Despite his advancing years, Iniesta’s status means he’d command a mega salary in the Far East.
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