Pepe Riera believes Leo’s exit wouldn’t be beneficial for either of the parties.
He even doubts the captain actually wanted to leave this summer.

“In my opinion, Messi has to stay at Barcelona and not with history. It’s not good for anyone,” presidential candidate Pepe Riera told Radio Marca.

“In the end, it’s Messi who decides [his future]. I very much doubt that Messi wanted to leave Barcelona [in the summer].

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“I wouldn’t pull out all the stops for Messi.”

In late August, Leo informed the club he wanted to leave for free already this year. Eventually, he was forced to stay.

The exit saga forced the socios to launch the vote of no confidence against president Josep Maria Bartomeu who later resigned.

I wouldn’t pull out all the stops for Messi’: presidential candidate Pepe Riera