Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to sign 32-year-old star as replacement for Ter Stegen: Reports

Former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi reportedly wants the club to sign his Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez as a replacement for goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The 32-year-old goalkeeper currently plays for Premier League side Aston Villa, with his current contract running until 2029.

Barcelona have been going through a tough time in the goal after their no.1 goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a severe knee injury during the side's LaLiga clash against Villarreal on September 22. The German is not expected to return this season.

Stegen's replacement Inaki Pena was reportedly not good enough to take his place. It led Barca to sign veteran Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, who came back from retirement to join the club on a one-year contract. However, the club is now looking to sign a more permanent option for the goal who could compete with Ter Stegen and take his place eventually.

According to reports by El Nacional, Lionel Messi is keen on his former club signing Emiliano Martinez to guard the goal. Messi's choice is reportedly taken well by sporting director Deco, who sees Martinez's potential arrival as a great boost for the club.

The signing of "Dibu" Martinez could be a great opportunity for any club as he has proven himself to be one of the best goalkeepers of his time in the recent past. He was instrumental in Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America trophies, alongside being significant in Aston Villa qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1983 this season.

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"We didn't always agree on everything" - When Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen bid farewell to Lionel Messi upon his departure in 2021

Lionel Messi (L) and Marc Andre ter Stegen at Barcelona - Source: Getty

Lionel Messi was famously forced to leave Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021 (PSG) after the club was unable to renew his contract due to their financial woes and LaLiga's wage rules. Shortly before his departure, there were rumors of the Argentine not seeing eye-to-eye with several people at the club, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Ter Stegen penned a farewell post for Lionel Messi after his transfer was confirmed, hinting that the duo may have had disagreements in the past. The German wrote on his instagram:

"Leo, it's been a pleasure to play alongside you for all these years, sharing many happy times together in the form of moments and titles. While we didn't always agree on everything, we both wanted what was best for the team and managed to grow as individuals, regardless of the result. Thanks for that!"

Stegen added:

"You made history with the club of your life, and you'll go down in history as a true legend of football. Something that no other player will ever get close to. You changed football. I wish you and your family the very best for whatever lies ahead. A big hug from Dani and Ben, too".

Lionel Messi and Ter Stegen played together at Barcelona between 2014 and 2021 for seven seasons. Messi eventually left the club in 2021 to join PSG, before moving to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023.

Meanwhile, Stegen's current contract with Barcelona runs until 2028, with the goalkeeper expected to make his return next season.