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Lionel Messi: Barcelona star discusses transfer, gives advice on exit - Spanish claims
LIONEL MESSI has reportedly advised Barcelona new boy Yerry Mina to leave the Nou Camp if he can’t force his way into Ernesto Valverde’s team.
Barcelona FC’s Yerry Mina does a round of quick-fire questions
Mina joined Barcelona from Palmeiras during the January transfer window and big things are expected of the £10.5m (€11.8m) signing.
But he’s made just two appearances for the Spanish giants as Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti have remained Valverde’s first-choice centre-backs.
Messi has apparently struck up a bond with fellow South American Mina and has been providing support to him during his difficult start to life in Barcelona.
The latest reports from Spain suggest a potential exit has been a hot topic of their conversations.
According to Don Balon, Messi has advised Mina to head for the exit door if he doesn’t get more game time.
And a move to a side such as Girona has supposedly been talked up so he can get used to La Liga football.
Messi is said to believe Mina could return to Barcelona after a spell away from the club.
Lionel Messi has struck up a friendship with Barcelona new boy Yerry Mina
Messi scores sensational goals in Barcelona training
Yerry Mina has made just two appearances since joining Barcelona in January
And by that point he may have enough experience to be a starter at the Nou Camp.
Whether Barcelona will be prepared to let Mina leave so soon after his arrival remains to be seen.
The 23-year-old will be hoping he’s included in Valverde’s squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League showdown with Chelsea.
Barcelona drew 1-1 with Antonio Conte’s side when they met at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago.
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