Sport

Lionel Messi hands in transfer request…to leave Barcelona for free with immediate effect

Football icon Lionel Messi has sent a fax message to Barcelona Football Club stating his intention to leave the club, sourcs say. Messi is reportedly making use of the clause in his contract allowing him to unilaterally terminate the agreement, at the end of each season according to the publication.

The Argentina international, 33, sent a fax to the club on Tuesday saying he wishes to exercise a clause in his contract, allowing him to leave for free with immediate effect.

Barcelona, though, believe the clause has now expired and Messi is contracted to the club until 2021 with a 700m euro buy-out clause.

The board will meet soon and some consider the only thing that could placate Messi is the resignation of the president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, and early elections. But the Argentine seems determined to leave the club no matter what.

A legal battle is now set to follow between the club and the player. Messi had a clause in his contract which allowed him to leave for free, if he informed the club of his desire before 10 June.

That date has now passed so Barca believe the clause has expired but Messi and his team feel it should be extended to cover the prolonged season – which ran until August due to the coronavirus pandemic.

bbc

Share
Published by
Takunda Shumba

Recent Posts

Kaze Calls for Calm as Chiefs’ Losing Run Continues

Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze has urged patience and composure after the club’s poor run… Read More

5th March 2026

Two Kaizer Chiefs players injured

Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a major setback with two experienced players injured. Both Brandon Petersen… Read More

5th March 2026

Stanley Nwabali Linked With Kaizer Chiefs After Chippa United Exit

Premier Soccer League giants Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly set their sights on Nigeria international goalkeeper… Read More

3rd March 2026

Kaizer Chiefs hit by setbacks as Pirates dominate Soweto Derby

Kaizer Chiefs’ preparations for the Soweto Derby were severely disrupted before kick-off, a reality that… Read More

1st March 2026

Kaizer Chiefs secure narrow win over ZESCO United to strengthen Confederation Cup push

Kaizer Chiefs registered a second successive victory in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after… Read More

2nd February 2026

EV CARS 247: Connecting Africa’s EV Car Buyers, Exporters, and Dealers in One Automotive Network

Across Africa, vehicle buyers and importers are discovering a new way to connect — through … Read More

2nd February 2026