VIDEO: Lionel Messi “closest he’s ever been to leaving Barcelona”, claims Guillem Balague

Well, if Guillem Balague is saying it...

Manchester United, Man City, and Chelsea are on red alert with reports suggesting that Lionel Messi could actually be leaving Barcelona soon. The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has been linked with a number of incredulous moves away from the Nou Camp for as long as anyone can remember but Balague, who penned the biography 'Messi' along with the man himself, says that this is the closest the Argentinian has ever been to parting ways with the Catalan club. And, if he did, it would be in the last year of his contract in 2016/17. Balague hosted a Revista De La Liga Bitesize show for Sky Sports and discussed with Graham Hunter the genuine credence behind a potential move of Lionel Messi. And Hunter did consider the idea too. "Maybe you start to look at it and think, 'right, my next move, age 28, is going to be vitally important. Do I stay? Do I look at pastures new?' I think this is a story of merit," Hunter said. Balague put three different reasons to Hunter as to why Leo might consider leaving. Tax situation Messi is to face trial over alleged tax fraud and, as the number one tax payer in Spain, Balague reckons that the Argentinian might not be so content anymore when other sportspeople have apparently never been persecuted for the same occurrences. New challenge Messi has friends in the Premier League who are telling him that he's done everything that he could ever do with Barca. Go to England and test yourself even more. New language, new culture, new team, new opposition. Chance to work with Pep Guardiola again If United, City or Chelsea could afford Messi - which presumably they'd make sure they could because it's Messi - would Guardiola's appointment at one of the Premier League's elite entice the South American to join him in Manchester or London? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLy-RsHuN1w