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      Lionel Messi ‘lacks respect’ for Barcelona, slams presidential candidate as he insists he wouldn’t mind if he leaves

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      LIONEL MESSI has been accused of lacking respect for Barcelona by a presidential candidate who would not mind if the club legend left.
      Messi shocked Barca bosses on Tuesday after telling them he wants to exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free with immediate effect.

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      Lionel Messi has been accused of lacking respect for Barcelona

      The possibility of the Argentine great leaving after 16 years has mounted immense pressure on club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
      Bartomeu has faced calls to step down by Barca fans, and Toni Freixa, a former Nou Camp director, is a replacement candidate.
      But he has already risked the wrath of supporters by insisting he would not be fazed by Messi’s departure and slammed the forward’s attitude.
      He told Radio Marca: “I am not overly concerned about Messi leaving because everything has an end. 

      “What is important is that he did it in such an unfortunate way and without respecting the club.”
      Messi and Barca seem set for a legal battle over the player’s contract stipulation, which the club believe expired on June 10.
      The Argentine superstar is under contract until the summer of 2021 and the Spanish giants claim his €700m (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      Freixa has sensationally called for Messi – who has an estimated net worth of £300m – to personally pay out his release clause to force through a move away.

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      He said: “I am surprised and disappointed as a Barcelona man.
      “I am disappointed by what Messi has done. 
      “The contracts are to be fulfilled and what Messi has to do is come with €700m and leave.”

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      Toni Freixa is a candidate to replace Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu

      Lionel Messi transfer request – Furious Barcelona fans protest against president Josep Maria Bartomeu outside Nou Camp More

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      Andy Murray pleads with Messi to quit Barcelona for Hibs or second team Arsenal after Barcelona transfer bombshell

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      ANDY MURRAY has pleaded with Lionel Messi to quit Barcelona for Hibernian – or maybe move to a Premier League club as his second choice.
      Britain’s greatest tennis player waded into the debate about Messi’s future plans following the shock news the Argentine superstar wants to leave the Nou Camp.

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      Andy Murray has pleaded with Lionel Messi to join Hibs or ArsenalCredit: Getty

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      The Argentine forward rocked Barcelona by handing in a transfer request this weekCredit: AFP
      Muzza, whose maternal grandfather Roy Erskine was a professional footballer, is a mad fan of both Hibernian and Arsenal.
      And when asked overnight in the US on a Zoom chat about Messi’s transfer request, he laughed: “(Is) he going to join Hibs?”
      To their credit, Scottish Premiership side Hibernian joined in the banter, replying on Twitter: “We were trying to keep that quiet until a deal was over the line, Andy.”
      Messi, 33, stunned the world of football on Tuesday night when he revealed he had asked Barca bosses to leave this summer.

      It is claimed he sent a fax to the club saying he wishes to exercise a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free with immediate effect.
      Murray, 33, said: “I’d like to see him playing in the Premier League.
      “I don’t really care who he plays for. I follow Arsenal.  But I’m not thinking he’s going to be joining them.
      “It would be great for the Premier League. Maybe we’ll get the opportunity to go and watch him live a few more times.

      “I watched him a bit when he was much younger. When I lived in Barcelona I got to see him play a couple of times live.

      “I’ve heard a lot of people saying, ‘Oh, could he do it on a cold Wednesday in Stoke’.
      “And I’ve always said: ‘Of course he could, because he’s the best player ever. He’d be absolutely fine.’
      “I’d like to see him show a few people that he can do that.”
      Murray is preparing now for next week’s US Open after losing 6-2 6-2 to Milos Raonic in New York in the Western & Southern Open Last 16 – a result he described as unacceptable. More

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      Man Utd ‘in contact with Lionel Messi camp over transfer’ as Barcelona see them as one of two clubs who could sign him

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have made contact with Lionel Messi over a transfer, Spanish reports claim.
      It comes after Messi stunned the Nou Camp hierarchy by handing in a transfer request to leave the club. 

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      Man Utd have reportedly made contact with Lionel Messi over a transfer

      According to SPORT, United and PSG have made a move for the unsettled 33-year-old.
      It is claimed Old Trafford chiefs have been in touch with Messi’s representatives, and believe they have the financial capability to pull off the sensational transfer.
      That is despite so far failing to agree terms with Borussia Dortmund over Jadon Sancho, who they value at £108million.
      Despite the report, is is understood Messi would favour a reunion with former team-mate Neymar at PSG – who won Ligue 1 last season but lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

      The French champions are desperate to finally become European kings and believe signing the Argentine would set them on their way to doing so.
      Elsewhere City boss Pep Guardiola – who managed Messi for four seasons in Spain – is said to have contacted him about a move to Manchester.
      They, along with Inter Milan, are understood to have been monitoring his situation as he grew ever frustrated with the Spanish giants last season. 

      Inter have the backing of Chinese chairman Steven Zhang, son of billionaire Zhang Jindong.

      Messi put in place plans to leave after sending a fax to Barca on Tuesday.
      The Nou Camp icon demanded he exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free with immediate effect.
      But the ex-LaLiga kings believe the clause has in fact expired, with the superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
      Club and player seem set for a legal battle, with Barcelona believing the stipulation expired on June 10 and that a €700m (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      That would leave very limited buyers financially capable of facilitating a transfer for Messi.
      Messi and his team will argue an extension on his clause should be granted as the coronavirus pandemic delayed and extended the season into July and August.
      The Barca board will meet immediately with president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s resignation believed to be the only thing that could see Messi have a change of heart.
      Even if he is able to depart for nothing, his basic wages per week totals at £1.15m, creating a tremendous stumbling bloke for any potential suitor.

      Lionel Messi transfer request – Furious Barcelona fans protest against president Josep Maria Bartomeu outside Nou Camp More

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      Barcelona ‘contact Man City over Gabriel Jesus’ as they eye transfer for striker to replace outgoing Luis Suarez

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      BARCELONA have reportedly contacted Manchester City over a move for Gabriel Jesus.
      The Brazilian striker has allegedly been identified by the LaLiga giants as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez.

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      Barcelona have reportedly contacted Man City over a move for Gabriel JesusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 33-year-old has been told he is no longer wanted at the Nou Camp by new boss Ronald Koeman.
      That discussion also factored into Lionel Messi’s decision to hand in a transfer request, with the forward unhappy at the treatment of best pal and neighbour Suarez.
      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 clapping hands emojis but he will not decide his next move until his lawyers have agreed an exit deal with Barca.
      Now according to GloboEsporte in Brazil and AS in Spain, City ace Jesus is the man they hope to replace the Uruguayan.

      And it has been claimed Barcelona have already made contact with the relevant officials at the Etihad over a possible deal.

      It is not the first time the star, 23, has been linked with a move away from Manchester.
      Both Juventus and Inter Milan are also believed to have enquired about him in the past. More

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      What is a burofax and why did Lionel Messi have to use it to tell Barcelona he is leaving?

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      LIONEL MESSI told Barcelona he wants to leave – by sending them a fax.
      In a world of modern technology, that may come as a surprise to many football fans.

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      Lionel Messi FAXED Barcelona to tell them he wants to leave this summerCredit: EPA
      But there is a reason for it.
      According to AS, Messi used a ‘burofax’, a service provided by Spain’s postal service, to inform Barca of his shock decision.
      It is used “where it is necessary to prove that the document was delivered and also the contents of that document”.
      And with the transfer bombshell shocking the football world, Messi is clearly keen to get everything covered legally.

      As SunSport has previously reported, many football managers, chairman and agents prefer the old-time, safe simplicity of the churning fax machine.
      These documents slowly splurge out for them to see and touch, rather than virtual messages through emails or texts.
      But the key reason is that the legal world still prefers written documents and hand-written signatures to electronic notification.
      A burofax can also be sent in person at a post office or on-line on the Spanish Postal Service website, but the picture of Messi using the fax machine is far better.

      And with Messi and Barcelona seemingly at war over the transfer, it could well go through the courts.
      His current deal expires in 2021 with a £630million release clause.
      But when he signed his last deal, the Atheltic write how he added a stipulation allowing him to terminate his contract at the end of the 2019-20 season – which Messi attempted yesterday.
      This is where the club and player are at loggerheads, because the clause only comes 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 apply until the end of August.
      Barcelona’s final game of the season came in the 8-2 humiliation against Bayern Munich on August 14.

      Messi’s reps are arguing that if the pandemic happened next year, Messi would be expected to see out the campaign, past the expiration of his contract.
      The 33-year-old has cut a disconsolate figure many times this season, none more so than after Barca’s 8-2 drubbing at the hands of eventual Champions League winners Bayern in the quarter-finals.
      Manchester City have moved to favourites to sign the little magician, with Messi said to be in contact with his old Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola about a move.

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      Messi has only ever signed to play for Barcelona – now he is set to leave the clubCredit: Reuters

      Lionel Messi transfer request – Furious Barcelona fans protest against president Josep Maria Bartomeu outside Nou Camp More

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      Lionel Messi follows just four clubs on Twitter including Man City and Chelsea as wantaway Barcelona hero eyes transfer

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      FANS of four clubs are dreaming of signing Lionel Messi after a Twitter discovery – and they include both Manchester City and Chelsea.
      The legendary forward stunned Barcelona by handing in a transfer request to leave the club on a free.

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      Lionel Messi only follows four clubs on Twitter… and they include both Man City and ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner sent a fax to chiefs on Tuesday demanding Barca exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for nothing with immediate effect.
      However, the club believe that the clause has in fact expired, with the 33-year-old superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
      Club and player seem set for a legal battle over the clause, with Barcelona believing it expired on June 10 and that a €700m (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      Messi and his representatives will argue that an extension should be granted as the coronavirus pandemic delayed and extended the season into July and August.

      Either way, speculation over who he will join next continues to intensify with a host of clubs linked with a move.
      However, eagle-eyed social media users believe they may have narrowed down his potential new employers to just four teams.
      And it is all on the fact that the quartet are the only clubs he follows on Twitter.
      Barcelona are one, with his boyhood team back in Argentina, Newell’s Old Boys, another.

      However, supporters of both Man City and Chelsea are starting to believe the impossible could become reality after discovering their sides are also followed by the icon.

      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 Argentinian was then said to be furious that information of that 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.
      Clubs across Europe are now scrambling for his signature.

      Manchester City are believed to be keen on the Argentine forward and there is strong interest from Inter Milan as well.
      Ladbrokes have City and – a Pep Guardiola reunion – as 5/2 favourites, with Inter priced at 3/1, Manchester United at 6/1 and Paris Saint-Germain at 7/1.
      And according to Radio Catalunya, Etihad boss Guardiola, who spent four seasons with the star at Barca, has held talks with the player.
      Together the pair won two Champions League trophies and three LaLiga titles.

      Andy Murray says Lionel Messi is going to sign for Hibs after he submits transfer request at Barcelona More

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      Lionel Messi demanded Barcelona transfer after boss Ronald Koeman told superstar his ‘privileges are over’

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      LIONEL MESSI demanded his Barcelona transfer after new boss Ronald Koeman reportedly told the superstar his “privileges are over”.
      The club captain, 33, faxed the board to inform them he wants to quit after growing furious with their treatment of him and, most recently, Luis Suarez.

      Lionel Messi decided he wanted to quite after being told his ‘privileges’ were being stripped away by ‘inflexible’ new boss Ronald Koeman
      He held a personal talk with Koeman following the Dutchman’s appointment as Quique Setien’s replacement last week.
      In their discussions, Messi revealed he sees his future outside the club.
      But according to Diario Olé via AS, Koeman told Messi in their meeting: “Your privileges in the squad are over, you have to do everything for the team.
      “I’m going to be inflexible, you have to think about the team.”

      Speaking publicly last week about the Messi situation, Koeman said: “He’s still got a contract and is still a Barcelona player.
      “At this point I need to speak to him because he is the captain.
      “We need to work with him and speak with various players. We need to make some decisions but in Messi’s case I hope he stays with us.

      “I don’t know if I have to convince Messi [to stay], whether it’s that or not. He is the best player in the world and the best player in the world you want in your team, you don’t want him playing against you.
      STOP MESS-ING WITH LEO
      “As a coach I would love to work with Messi because he wins matches. If he’s at the ability and level he has always shown I’d be more than happy for him to stay.”
      But the latest report adds the removal of any “privileges” and Koeman being “inflexible” were enough to convince Messi to demand the club he joined 20 years ago allow him to leave.
      Messi told the directors he has decided he will quit after this major fallout – with their treatment of Suarez also thought to be a contributing factor.
      Ex-Liverpool star Suarez has reportedly been told by Koeman he will be sold this summer and Messi, one of his best mates, is fuming and wants out.
      Former Nou Camp and Spain skipper Carles Puyol, 42, who was Messi’s club-mate for nine years, publicised his allegiance: “Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend.”
      Suarez, 33, responded with two emojis of clapping hands.

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      Koeman was brought in to replace Quique Setien by Josep Maria Bartomeu but both men are wanted out by supporters in order to keep MessiCredit: EPA
      ‘MESSI SI BARTO NO’
      But Barcelona fans are understandably desperate for the Argentine to stay with many taking to the streets outside the Nou Camp to insist the club keep Messi.
      Angry supporters congregated at the club’s stadium and protested against president Josep Maria Bartomeu, demanding his resignation.
      It is understood the board will meet imminently with some colleagues calling for Bartomeu to quit from his position – and all on Messi’s side may get their wish with reports that the president will indeed step down.
      Board members Jordi Moix, the economics and assets vice president, and treasurer David Bellver have already allegedly offered their resignation.
      Fans made their feelings known by directing obscene gestures – aimed for Bartomeu – at the stadium as well as holding up ‘Messi 10’ replica shirts in support of their beloved hero.
      Some chanted: “Bartomeu, dimissió,” meaning, “Bartomeu, dismissed.”
      Others sang: “Please Messi don’t leave, we all love you here,” to the captain who joined La Masia aged 13 and has scored 634 goals for their team.
      The hashtag “#MessiSiBartoNo” – literally meaning “Messi yes, Barto no” – is trending.

      Guillem Balague claims Messi has a “clause that he had agreed in his last contract by which he can go for free”.
      He says Barcelona believe the clause expired at the end of June, meaning Messi’s £630million buyout fee stands, but the superstar is convinced it is still active until the end of August due to the coronavirus crisis.
      Manchester City are believed to be keen on the Argentine forward and there is strong interest from Inter Milan as well. Ladbrokes have City as 5/2 favourites, with Inter at 3/1, Manchester United at 6/1 and PSG at 7/1.

      Barcelona fans congregated outside the Nou Camp to show their support for the club captain

      Lionel Messi transfer request – Furious Barcelona fans protest against president Josep Maria Bartomeu outside Nou Camp More

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      Barcelona to demand £631m release clause for Lionel Messi if furious star hands in transfer request amid Koeman row

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      BARCELONA’S board will demand clubs pay Lionel Messi’s £631million release clause should he hand in a transfer request, according to reports.
      The Argentine’s future remains in serious doubt after a torrid season on and off the pitch for the Nou Camp side.

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      Barcelona could refuse to sell Lionel Messi unless an interested club meet his £631m release clauseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But with one year left to run on his contract and Barcelona determined to keep their star man, it may not be easy for Messi to get out even if he wants to.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, the Barca board will simply turn around and tell Messi, 33, a club would need to match his mammoth release clause to sign him – otherwise he is not for sale.
      And that is pretty much impossible with no club likely to stump up more than three times the world-record transfer fee Paris Saint-Germain paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017.
      However, if a deal could be reached between the player and the club that would see Barca accept an affordable price, PSG could be in line to make a move and reunite Messi with Neymar.

      Manchester City – with Pep Guardiola in charge – and Inter Milan are also thought to be monitoring the situation, with the Italians weighing up an approach.
      Immediately after the Blaugrana lost 8-2 to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Messi is claimed to have told the club he wanted to leave.
      Following Quique Setien’s dismissal at the Nou Camp, Ronald Koeman was appointed on a two-year deal, with Messi cutting short his holiday to meet the Dutchman.
      It was reported by Catalan radio station RAC1 that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner told Koeman that he is seriously considering his future at Barca.

      And Argentinian news outlet Clarin have now stated that Messi has been left ‘furious’ that news of the meeting has been made public.
      Koeman spoke about the situation with Messi earlier in the week, as he said: “He’s still got a contract and is still a Barcelona player. At this point I need to speak to him because he is the captain.

      “We need to work with him and speak with various players. We need to make some decisions but in Messi’s case I hope he stays with us.
      “I don’t know if I have to convince Messi [to stay], whether it’s that or not. He is the best player in the world and the best player in the world you want in your team, you don’t want him playing against you.
      “As a coach I would love to work with Messi because he wins matches. If he’s at the ability and level he has always shown I’d be more than happy for him to stay.”

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      Man City are the favourites to sign Messi this summer

      Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman says he doesn’t know if he has to convince Messi to stay More