Lionel Messi missed a coronavirus test at the training ground in Barcelona. This has been confirmed to AFP sources, which increases the possibility that he is now boycotting the preseason to force a transfer.
But La Liga have given Barca’s hopes of keeping Messi a boost by announcing that the release clause in his contract, which is set at € 700million, remains in place.
Messi and his lawyers believe a separate clause means he can leave for free this summer.
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Without passing a coronavirus test, Messi will not be able to attend Ronald Koeman’s first training session on Monday. The start of the new La Liga season is less than two weeks away.
Messi was due to be tested at 10.15am on Sunday, but according to sources in Barcelona, he was unable to appear at Ciutat Esportiva.
The club’s captain and biggest player could now face a fine and even a pay cut if the strike continues.
It comes amid reports that Manchester City are poised to land a $ 815 million five-year deal that would bring Messi to the Premier League for three seasons, then two at the New York City club in Major League Soccer.
Luis Suarez – his best friend and strike partner – and Arturo Vidal were among the participants who came for tests despite both players being told they should find new teams as part of a scheduled eviction this summer.
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The meeting was an opportunity for Messi to make his first public appearance since Burofax, which declared its intention to leave, arrived at the Camp Nou offices on Tuesday evening.
Instead, his absence offers a clear indication of his determination to secure a move and how ugly this argument could get now.
Participating in the team’s preseason program could harm his litigation if his departure is decided in court.
Barcelona insist that a clause in Messi’s contract that allowed him to go free this summer had to be activated by June 10th. The 33-year-old is now only allowed to leave by paying 700 million euros.
La Liga, who have likely always been on the club’s side, agree that Messi’s release clause remains in place.
“The contract is currently in force and a termination clause will apply if Lionel Andres Messi decides to activate the early unilateral termination of the contract,” La Liga said in a statement.
“In accordance with the rules and procedures in these cases, La Liga will not deregister the player from the (Spanish football) association unless he has previously paid the amount of this clause.” However, Messi’s lawyers believe that the clause allowing him to leave for free does not refer to a specific date, but rather to 10 days after the end of the season.
Since last season was extended into August due to the pandemic and the Champions League final was only played last weekend, Messi’s request to leave within the agreed period will be confirmed.
His Sunday absence suggests he is ready to do whatever it takes to leave the club he joined as a 13-year-old boy and where he most expected to continue until retirement.
– Supporters Still Hope – Supporters, some of whom stormed Camp Nou last week in protest, remain confident that Messi could still be persuaded.
On Sunday morning, a boy in a Messi shirt sat with his head in his hands in front of the training ground, hoping his hero could still return.
Mundo Deportivo, the Barcelona daily with close ties to the board, wrote on Saturday how defiant the club are, even if any stance could now be a bargaining chip.
“The more days go by, the more firmly the board and President Josep Maria Bartomeu do not move from their position,” it says. “What not to sell and, if possible, to renew Messi’s contract.” Bartomeu announced through the Spanish press on Thursday that he would resign if Messi publicly said he was the problem and agreed to change his mind.
But Messi stood firm. His nudge comes after asking for a meeting, not to negotiate, but to enable an amicable and dignified departure.
Manchester City remain favorites to sign the 33-year-old.
If Barcelona and Messi decide to avoid lengthy legal proceedings, City could hit a compromise sale price of around € 100m while eliminating their less affluent rivals.
Messi has reportedly spoken to City manager Pep Guardiola before, but others remain in the race including Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus
.
