LIONEL MESSI does not want to meet Josep Maria Bartomeu to discuss his future at Barcelona, according to reports.
Furious fans have called for the club president to resign after the 33-year-old handed in a transfer request.
Lionel Messi looks set to leave the Spanish side this summerCredit: EPA
According to Marca, the club planned for Bartomeu to meet with Messi to try and convince him to stay.
But Messi has no intention of talking with the president as he looks to force his way out of the club.
The club’s top scorer has made his decision and plans to stand firm.
But he will return to training with his team-mates on Monday to avoid any legal backlash.
And he was spotted in Barcelona on Wednesday after dining at a restaurant with Luis Suarez.
Messi plans to leave the club on a free transfer this summer after faxing in his request.
The 33-year-old demanded the club exercise a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave for nothing.
But the Spanish side are convinced the clause has expired – and believe he will only leave for more than £199m – a world record fee.
Early reports claimed Messi would be tempted to stay at Barcelona if Bartomeu resigns from his post.
And fans broke through the Nou Camp gates while chanting: “Bartomeu, dimissio,” meaning, “Batomeu, dismissed.”
Unsurpisingly, there’s no shortage of transfer interest in the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Manchester City are willing to go all out for Messi – who’s scored 634 goals for Barcelona – if he makes it clear he wants to join them.
Lionel Messi does not want to meet with the Barcelona club president Credit: Reuters
Wayne Rooney says Messi can win Ballon d’Or at Man Utd or Man City if he joins the Premier League
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
