The 33-year-old sent a fax to Barcelona informing him of his intention to leave the club where he had played for 20 years.
Messi leaves Barcelona
Leo Messi demanded to leave Barcelona, activating a clause in his contract that would allow him to go on a free transfer. The 33-year-old sent a fax to Barcelona informing him of his intention to leave the club where he had played for 20 years. Although his contract expires at the end of the 2020-21 season. Messi and his legal team believe the clause will allow him to terminate his deal unilaterally. Rumors of Messi’s misfortune have been around since Bayern Munich humiliated Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals in early August. Ending a season in which they failed to win a single trophy. After that match, they had never seen Messi so depressed and upset. As the Argentine immediately reported to several club leaders. Following the defeat to Bayern Munich, Barcelona sacked head coach Quique Setien and technical manager Eric Abidal.
Bartomeu has previously insisted that Messi will end his career with Barca
Subsequently, they hired Ronald Keeman to replace Setien. The Dutchman expressed a desire to keep the Argentine star at Camp Nou. Messi shortened his vacation to meet with Koeman last week. He told the Dutchman that he no longer believes in the club’s project. While many at Barça hoped that Messi’s frustration would cool overtime after the defeat at Bayern Munich. Messi’s decision to leave had already been made and communicated with friends and family. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has previously insisted that Messi will end his career at Camp Nou as his future continues to be questioned. Bartomeu has postponed the Barcelona presidential election to March as he hopes to maintain a position that will become even more precarious if he watches Messi’s departure.
With his desire to leave confirmed, attention will turn to Messi’s potential next destination. With very few clubs likely to be able to afford the Argentine’s wages. As possible landing spots were named Inter, PSG and Manchester City, a move to the Major League Soccer or the Chinese Super League was also discussed. Messi has established himself as one of football’s greatest players since his initial breakout with Barcelona in 2004. He has won La Liga 10 times and raised the Champions League four times. Although Barça have been closed from the biggest prize in European club football since the 2014-15 season. On an individual level, Messi has won the Ballon d’Or a record six times. Including a four-straight run between 2009 and 2012, as well as the most recent award in 2019.