“It will be a mistake for Messi to quit Barcelona” – Braida

Barcelona’s sporting director Ariedo Braida, has hailed the quality of Lionel Messi and his popularity, which shows in the number of the club’s shirts sold.

The Argentine maestro has started 2015 in typically sensational fashion, after enduring a dip in form as 2014 ended.

Messi has helped Barcelona to get to top of La Liga after overtaking Real Madrid, ahead of this weekend’s El Clasico game.

Braida praised the 27-year-old’s abilities and stated that he would be making a mistake if he chooses to quit the Nou Camp.

“He’s a very strong player and is the icon of world football. He sells lots of shirts all around the world, it’s extraordinary,” Braida told Radio Anch’io Sport.

“The president always says that Messi is an alien. I think and hope that economically he’s unapproachable for other clubs. Even if you have to pay attention to new investors, Messi has a release clause of €250 million and for most teams that is an unattainable figure.

“Leo in Barcelona is much-loved by all, I think it would be a mistake for him to change team.”

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