Jorge Messi is set for showdown talks with Josep Maria Bartomeu as the two parties attempt to thrash out the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future amid talk of a Pep Guardiola reunion
Lionel Messi’s father Jorge will reportedly meet Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu as the transfer row over his son’s future rumbles on.
Messi shook the football world last week when he told Barcelona he wanted to leave the club where he has spent his entire career.
The Argentine superstar looks set for a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City – but only if a compromise can be reached with Barcelona over the 33-year-old’s mammoth £624million release clause.
Messi has a clause in his Barca contract which means he can leave the Nou Camp for free at the end of every season.
But the club said that clause was not valid beyond the end of June, and have been backed in their stance by La Liga.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter claiming that Messi “is not going to change his mind” and is ready to take on Barcelona and La Liga.
He tweeted: “Messi also after La Liga statement is not going to chance [sic] his mind.
“He wants to leave and to start a new chapter. Barcelona told him again they won’t let Leo go for free to Manchester City – and La Liga position is part of their strategy. The saga is on.”
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner argued that the clause in his contract which allowed him to leave should still be valid as the pandemic meant the season was extended.
But that was rebuffed by the statement from La Liga.
The statement read: “In compliance with the applicable rule, La Liga will not approve a request to be de-registered as a player with the Spanish football federation, unless the amount in the release clause has been paid.”
Messi did not report for coronavirus testing with the rest of the Barcelona squad on Sunday, underling his determination for a move, as it means he cannot return to training on Monday.
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