For years it's been reported that Mauro Icardi lost his place at the national team because of Leo Messi's ultimatum. It's said that there was tension between Barcelona's captain and Icardi after Mauro stole the wife of ex-Blaugrana Maxi Lopez, a close friend of Leo's.
Thus, Messi allegedly told Argentina that they'll have to choose between him and Icardi. However, the PSG striker denied the rumours back in 2019,
"I knew [Messi] at Barcelona years ago, I let people talk, these are things we cannot avoid," he explained to Canal+. (h/t Goal)
"I do not believe in these stories. I was able to meet him, he is the best player in the world. I appreciate him enormously.
"Those who know me know who I really am, and that's all that matters... It's been seven years [that I've been more judged on my personal life than on my game].
"[My wife] Wanda is famous, I am too. But that does not affect my game. Otherwise, I would not have played for Inter and scored 150 goals. We try to live our relationship as best as possible. We are both in love. And we do not choose who we fall in love with, it's like that."
Whether it is true or not, the fact is that Icardi has made only 8 appearances for the national team in his career, sharing the pitch with Messi on three occasions. However, it's also true that he had to compete with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero for a place in the squad.
RELATED NEWS
PSG offering Messi 3-year deal on 'unmatchable' terms: Bechler (reliability: 5 stars)
Paris Saint-Germain are offering Leo Messi a two-year deal with an option to extend it for an additional season, the highly reliable Marcelo Bechler reports. Besides, the Parisians think that the personal terms they are offering are 'unmatchable'.
In regards to the sporting project, PSG point to the fact that they reached the Champions League final last season and the semi-finals this year. Moreover, they've eliminated the current champions and even Barcelona themselves along the way.
There's been no movement from Barca's camp as of yet Bechler adds, as they don't yet know how much money they would be able to offer. The club's economy has been severely hit by the pandemic.
As for Messi himself, he is currently focused only on the six remaining La Liga games and doesn't want to be bothered by anything else.
Leo's contract at Barca expires at the end of the season.
Laporta is preparing to offer Messi a 3-year contract - ESPN
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is working round the clock to table a three-year contract extension to Lionel Messi, according to ESPN.
However, Laporta is aware that Barca are not financially able to match Messi's current eye-watering €75m per-year deal, the source say.
Hence, the Laporta team are exploring other ways to cut cost with Messi while getting him to renew.
The Barca captain will become a free agent in June if he doesn't pen a new deal before then.
