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Lionel Messi could spend one more year in Barcelona before leaving in much easier circumstances next year.
The Argentine made his intentions clear last week when he expressed his desire to leave the Camp Nou.
But leaving the club he has been with for almost 20 years is proving difficult as Barcelona demand that their £ 632 million buyout clause be paid in full.
Messi’s entourage originally believed they could still give up the Catalans for nothing under a clause in their contract.
However, the activation date has passed and Barcelona are digging about the possible departure of their star player.
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
President Josep Maria Bartomeu refuses to back down and Messi does not want to get involved in a court case, reports Marca.
Now it means he could stay at the club for another 12 months before leaving for nothing next summer.
Messi has been a leader for more than a decade and Barcelona are enjoying the most successful period in their history.
He doesn’t want to leave in a way that could tarnish his legacy and he’s willing to hold out a little longer.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Catalans have endured a challenging year in which they changed managers mid-season and conceded eight in a humiliating Champions League loss.
They also handed over their La Liga crown to archrival Real Madrid after a poor season finale that saw them lose points in four of their last nine games.
Messi also returned his worst goal record in more than a decade on a team that is ready for a massive overhaul.
Since then, Ronald Koeman has replaced Quique Setien, who was fired after the attack on Bayern Munich.
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