FC Barcelona Need To Choose Between Lionel Messi And Robert Lewandowski, Who Reportedly Don’t See Eye To Eye

FC Barcelona might have to make a decision between their greatest ever player Lionel Messi and current biggest star Robert Lewandowski as per who leads the Blaugrana in 2023/2024.

Lewandowski joined the Catalans from Bayern Munich last summer in a deal worth €50 million ($54 million) as announced by the club. And though his form since the World Cup has been patchy with just two goals scored, he immediately flew to the top of the Pichichi rankings in La Liga which has helped Barca boast a 12-point lead at the summit of the Spanish top flight.

Messi is a free agent on June 30, and may return to the club he joined as a shy 13-year-old from Newell’s Old Boys before becoming its all-time goalscorer and appearances leader ahead of leaving for Paris Saint Germain in tears in 2021.

If this happens, El Nacional has reported that Barca may have to make a decision between the Argentine and the Pole, who the Catalan digital newspaper alleges don’t see eye to eye.

An example of this supposedly being a factor comes from Qatar 2022 where their teams met in the group stage. Following a 2-0 win for eventual tournament winners Argentina, Lewandowski attempted to shake hands with Messi but was blanked by the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

There may also be some resentment about Messi beating Lewandowski to said prize, which is the highest individual honor in the sport, in years where it was felt Lewandowski performed better. Furthermore, the 8-2 mauling Bayern Munich gave Barca in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2020 might be a sore point for Messi.

While El Nacional suggests that president Joan Laporta and head coach Xavi Hernandez “should decide between sticking with Lewandowski or signing Messi”, it is still difficult to see such a cut throat decision having to being made.

Granted Lewandowski’s form has faltered, but he did show signs of his former promise in the 2-1 victory in El Clasico over Real Madrid before the international break, where he played a part in the move that resulted in Franck Kessie’s winner.

Barca also don’t have a natural ‘9’ in their ranks without ‘Lewa’, and Vitor Roque might take some time to adapt even if signed from Athletico Paranaense.

What is more likely is that Messi lands yet both he and Lewandowski learn to live with one another – if there really is a genuine conflict – as the model professionals they are.