Wagub Riza Jokes About Messi: If We Go To Indonesia, We Hope To Join Persija

Lionel Messi (Instagram @leomessi)

JAKARTA - The departure of Lionel Messi from Barcelona was apparently also commented on by the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Riza Patria. While joking, Riza hopes that Messi joins Persija if he plays in Indonesia.

"Of course we are sad, Messi is from Barcelona, then not renewed. Of course we hope that Messi joins, if in the world, well if abroad he joins Liverpool. In Indonesia, we hope that Messi will join Persija," Riza joked in an interview with reporters, Friday, August 6.

However, Deputy Governor Riza, who is also a Barcelona supporter, hopes that Messi's spirit will be imitated by the younger generation who love football in the country.

"Anyway, the spirit, fighting power, professionalism, discipline from Messi, God willing, can be transmitted to young people in Jakarta through Persija. Anyway, let Messi join Liverpool and his enthusiasm can be imitated by children in Jakarta, especially Persija, "said Riza.

Reported earlier, Barcelona confirmed they would part with superstar Lionel Messi for not signing a new contract.

Messi's latest contract expired at the end of last season, but he is expected to sign a five-year deal before the new season begins.

Messi held talks with the club on Thursday, but the meeting did not go well and Barcelona confirmed he would no longer be returning to Camp Nou.

"Although FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi have reached an agreement and a clear intention from both parties to sign a new contract today, but it cannot happen due to financial and structural constraints (La Liga regulations)," Barcelona said on their official website on Friday. reported by Antara.