BARCELONA’S unveiling of new signing Francisco Trincao backfired spectacularly as fans backed Lionel Messi in the club versus player row.
Amongst all the turmoil behind the scenes, the Catalans attempted to appease supporters by announcing the signing of 20-year-old forward Trincao from Braga.
Barcelona’s announcement of Trincao sensationally backfired
They revealed the news on social media alongside a one minute video of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and Trincao officially signing contracts.
But fans hijacked the comments as they stepped up their protests to force the president out of the club.
Replying to the news, hundreds of unhappy Barca fans replied with “#BartomeuOut.”
They then tweeted another video of Trincao doing keepy-ups inside the Nou Camp which attracted a similar response.
The ongoing row was taken to new levels yesterday when Messi sensationally revealed he wants out of the club.
Messi, 33, faxed Barcelona demanding he exercised a clause that allows him to terminate his own contract.
His current deal expires in 2021 with a £630million release clause.
But when he signed his last deal, Messi added a stipulation allowing him to terminate his contract at the end of the 2019-20 season.
Barca fans are backing Messi in the club versus player rowCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
The clause reportedly only came into effect if Messi asked to terminate his contract before June 10.
However, the Argentine’s legal team are arguing that because the season was extended over the coronavirus pandemic, the clause should still come into effect until the end of August.
It is understood the Barcelona board will meet imminently with president Bartomeu’s resignation believed to be the only thing that could see Messi have a change of heart.
Furious Barcelona fans also made their feelings very clear on Tuesday night, with hundreds flocking to the Nou Camp to make it clear they wanted Messi to stay – and demanding Bartomeu goes instead.
Fans hurled insults at the club president and hung banners calling for him to quit.
Barcelona are insisting they will only sell Messi if clubs match his £630m release clause.
Messi was left fuming at the humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
He held crunch talks with new manager Ronald Koeman just one day after the Dutchman replaced Quique Setien, informing the new boss of his plans to leave.
The pressure on Bartomeu to resign is intensifyingCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
The Argentinian was then said to be furious that information of the meeting was leaked to the Spanish and then international press.
He is also unhappy at the treatment of best pal and neighbour Luis Suarez who was told he has no future at the club.
The pair’s families share a close bond and regularly holiday together.
Barcelona legend Carles Puyol made vocal his support of Messi on Tuesday evening.
The treble-winning former captain tweeted: “Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend.”
Suarez replied with two hands clapping emojis.
Manchester City, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are all believed to be paying close attention to his availability.
Lionel Messi ‘has contacted old Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola’ to tell him he wants Man City transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
