Lionel Messi ‘informs Barcelona he will NOT attend club’s first day of pre-season and coronavirus testing on Sunday’ as Argentine tries to push through sensational Nou Camp exit
- Lionel Messi has told Barcelona that he won’t be turning up for club training
- He has once again told the club he wants to leave ahead of the new season
Lionel Messi has told Barcelona that he won’t be attending training, and that he won’t be turning up for PCR tests on Sunday for the start of the new La Liga season, according to journalist Alfredo Martinez on Twitter.
It’s the latest in a series of events that could see the club’s talisman sensationally leave the Nou Camp and move to a different team for next season.
Manchester City are currently thought to be the front runners to pounce for the Argentine if he leaves.
Lionel Messi has reportedly told Barcelona that he won’t be turning up for training on Sunday
New Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has a big job on his hands to hold onto the club legend
Messi is reportedly due back at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva training ground on Sunday for the start of pre-season and Covid-19 testing.
If he doesn’t take the tests, he will not be allowed to participate in training.
Messi informed chiefs at the Camp Nou of his desire to move last week via burofax, with further talks set to be held with the club’s board as he attempts to amicably make his way out of Barcelona.
Manchester City may see this news as a boost to their hopes of signing the excellent player
Although Messi is said to have a €700m release clause, it is believed the Argentine may have a clause that could see him leave on a free transfer.
As it stands, Manchester City are apparently prepared to offer £89.5million plus Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus, and Eric Garcia.
If Messi agrees terms with City, he will be reunited with Pep Guardiola following an incredible career at the Nou Camp – scoring an astonishing 634 goals and creating 285 assists in 731 appearances for the Spanish giants.
More to follow.
