After Lionel Messi refused to visit Barcelona’s training ground for a COVID-19 test, he will now boycott the club’s pre-season training to force the club to sell it.
It’s another escalation in the tense distance between the player and the club. However, Barcelona appear to be pulling back on their firm stance towards the player after agreeing to crisis talks.
Messi’s father and agent Jorge landed in the Spanish city recently ahead of a meeting
planned for Wednesday (local time) with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu on the future of the Argentine superstar.
Watch European football with beIN SPORTS and ESPN on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming right away>
Messi asks for a shock exit
0:38
Sky Sports News’ Gary Cotterill said: “It seems that Barcelona’s attitude is weakening. Bartomeu has been saying all week that he has turned down every opportunity to meet with Messi’s camp and find a way through this crisis, but now there will be a meeting with Messi’s father Jorge, who flew to Barcelona on Sunday.
“We believe this will be in a neutral location in about 48 hours (Wednesday night AEST).
“You come to this meeting from very difficult angles. Barcelona want Messi to sign a new deal and start over. Messi’s team say no, his heart and mind are not here, he has made a decision – he wants out and apparently he wants to go to Manchester City. “
MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
The pursuit of Messi in Man City hits the $ 1.1 billion stumbling block
City coach spotted in Barcelona as Messi makes a big decision
Man Utd injects $ 73 million on first signing this summer; Barca’s $ 22 million headache: rumor mill
According to La Liga rules, players must pass coronavirus tests before training.
Messi missed his test, which was scheduled for 10.15 a.m. on Sunday (local time). According to reports in Spain and England Sky Sports, The 33-year-old will not appear for the club’s first training session on Monday (Tuesday morning AEST).
During training, he could expect fines and a reduction in salary.
.
