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Lionel Messi reportedly remains defiant in his determination to force a transfer to Manchester City, despite La Liga having backed Barcelona.
The League issued a statement on Sunday insisting that an exit clause allowing him to leave for free this summer is no longer valid.
It means that Messi will now have to win a £ 624 million legal battle to secure his dream reunion with Pep Guardiola at City.
Otherwise, the suitors will have to comply with the atronomic termination clause or hope to be able to negotiate a lower transfer fee with Barcelona.
The news is a significant blow for Messi and City in particular, who will want to make sure they stay within UEFA’s financial fair play rules after successfully overturning a two-year ban from the Champions League recently.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
But Messi is reportedly determined not to let evolution stop him from forcing his exit from Barcelona.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter stating that Messi “is not going to change his mind” and is ready to face Barcelona and La Liga.
He tweeted: “Messi also after the declaration of the League is not going to chance” [sic] your mind.
“He wants to leave and start a new chapter. Barcelona told him again that they will not let Leo go to Manchester City for free, and the position in La Liga is part of their strategy. The saga has begun.”
The exit clause in Messi’s contract that allowed him to leave at the end of the season was valid until the end of June, but the six-time Ballon d’Or winner argued that the pandemic meant the season was extended.
But La Liga rejected that in its statement, which said: “In accordance with the applicable rule, La Liga will not approve an application to be terminated as a player in the Spanish soccer federation, unless the amount in the clause termination has been paid. “
Messi did not show up for coronavirus tests with the rest of the Barcelona squad on Sunday, which means he cannot return to training on Monday.
Will Lionel Messi win his battle to leave Barcelona? Give your opinion here
(Image: Getty Images)
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It is understood that he deliberately failed to audition to underline his determination to leave the Catalan club this summer.
Messi’s unhappiness at the Camp Nou has alerted the best clubs in Europe to his potential availability.
Paris-Saint Germain and Inter Milan are believed to be interested in his signing, while Juventus also reportedly entered the race, sparking anticipation of a sensational bond between the Argentine superstar and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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