Messi could only leave Barcelona for Real Madrid, believes Futre

The ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder thinks the prolific attacker could move to the Spanish capital if he were ever to leave his current team

Former Portugal international Paulo Futre believes Real Madrid could be Lionel Messi's next destination if he were to leave Barcelona, although he has acknowledged that the Argentina international is more likely to stay at his current club until the end of his European career.

The 27-year-old revealed earlier this season that his future is not necessarily at Barcelona and he further fuelled speculation about a possible transfer on Monday when he stated that he's unsure he will still be at the Camp Nou side next term.

Clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be closely monitoring Messi's situation at Barcelona, yet Futre thinks a move to Madrid could be a more realistic option.

"I do not think Messi will ever leave Barcelona, but if he does move, it will be to join Real Madrid," Futre told COPE.

"Florentino Perez is in charge at Madrid and they have the financial resources to make it happen.

"Plus signing Messi would hugely annoy the Barcelona fans as well, like back in the days with Luis Figo."

Messi has a contract with the Catalans until June 2018, but he has a limited fee release clause of €250 million in his existing deal.