Argentine superstar Messi Messi ended speculation last week about his future at the Catalan giants by announcing that he would stay for another season, though reluctantly, rather than fight his club in a court of law.
Now that Messi is staying for one more year, after an unseemly dispute with club executives, one clear outcome looks like being an awkward season ahead at Camp Nou.
Argentina great Messi announced Friday that, despite having told the club he wanted to leave, he would see out the last season on his contract.
Messi revealed the heartbreaking conversation he had with his eldest son Thiago while praising his wife Antonella for being immensely supportive of his decision.
Messi had previously stated to the club about his intention to leave the Spanish football giants this season.
The letter comes a few days after the league said Messi was still under contract until June 2021 and could not leave without paying the penalty.
A day after the Spanish club reaffirmed its position not to facilitate a transfer, Messi’s father-agent did not dismiss the possibility of his son reconsidering his decision to leave.
The report also suggested that the Barcelona talisman been offered an equity stake in City Football Group but he has demanded payment instead.
Jorge Messi, who is also Lionel Messi’s agent, landed in Barcelona from Argentina. He is expected to meet with club president Josep Bartomeu and other team officials, but it's unclear when then meeting will take place.
Barcelona presidential candidate in the next election Victor Font gave his opinion on the Messi's transfer saga and feels it seems unlikely that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner reverses his decision but said until it's over there is always hope.
Talks with Messi’s father, who is also his agent, are expected this week in Barcelona, but the club also hopes to sit down with the player himself.
Ivan Rakitic has left Barcelona to rejoin Sevilla on a two-year deal.
Lionel Messi remained absent as Barcelona began training for the new season under Ronald Koeman.
Lionel Messi, who last week told Barcelona he wants to leave, skipped the team’s first day of training on Monday.
The Messi transfer saga took another step forward last week with the news that he would not go to the club's training ground to take a planned coronavirus test.
The 37-year-old has signed a one-year contract at Betis with an option for another year included in the deal. The Chilean has become the second signing of the club for the 2020/2021 LaLiga season.
Barcelona said Messi was the only player who did not undergo the tests at the club’s training center. The team is set to resume training on Monday ahead of the upcoming start of the season.
Under the four-year contract signed in 2017, Messi can leave the club for free if he requests it by June 10. Messi invoked this clause, but Barca said it had already expired.
Spanish media say Messi has contacted the club to try to resolve the situation, but Barcelona confirmed on Saturday that it will not negotiate to allow Messi to depart before his contract ends next year.
Albert Roca has parted ways with Hyderabad FC to join Ronald Koeman at Barcelona.
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