Lionel Messi has stated that he plans to remain with Barcelona "forever."
During his acceptance of the European Golden Boot, the Barcelona superstar reiterated his commitment to his club.
"My intention is to stay at Barcelona forever," he said, according to Marca. "I appreciate it, if it is true what is said, that there are people interested. It makes you proud that people say these things, but my life is in Barcelona."
Messi is currently signed until 2018 and has made a tremendous run with his club. At the age of 26 he has already compiled 223 goals in the Spanish League; that total puts him in fifth all-time. Telmo Zarra currently leads the count with 251 while Huge Sanchez sits in second with 234. Real Madrid legend Raul is third on the list with 228, while Alfredo di Stefano is ahead of Messi with 223.
Messi has played for Barcelona since 2004-05. He scored one goal in seven matches during his first season. In 2005-06, he added six goals in 17 matches to his total and a year later he had 14 goals in 26 matches. He added another 10 in 2007-08 and then had his breakout year in 2008-09 when he scored 23 in 31 matches. The following season, Messi scored 34 goals in 35 matches, and in 2010-11, he scored 31 in 33. The 2011-12 season proved to be a terrific year for Messi as he scored 50; he scored 46 in 2012-13. He started off the current season with eight goals in 11 matches but has struggled with a nagging leg injury. Based on his recent career totals, Messi should top Zarra by the end of the 2013-14 season.
Do you think Messi will break the record for all-time leading scoring in the Spanish League by May 2014? If not then, when or will he ever break the record?
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