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      Five clubs Lionel Messi could join including Man Utd, City and Chelsea after handing in Barcelona transfer request

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      LIONEL MESSI is on the verge of quitting Barcelona after requesting to leave his boyhood club.
      The 33-year-old Nou Camp legend demanded Barca exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to quit for nothing with immediate effect.

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      Lionel Messi is on the verge of leaving Barcelona after requesting to leave his boyhood clubCredit: Getty Images

      But the Spanish giants believe the stipulation expired expired on June 10, with the Argentine superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
      Club and player seem set for a legal battle over the clause, with Barcelona believing his €700m (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      And with wages totalling £1.15m per week – it leaves very few teams capable of facilitating a move for Messi – here SunSport list five possible options.
      MANCHESTER CITY
      Since Pep Guardiola – who managed Messi for four seasons – took over at the Etihad in 2016, he has spent £700m on transfers.

      It indicates they have the backing to pull off a mega-money transfer for Messi, despite escaping a Financial Fair Play penalty this year.
      Acccording to Radio Catalunya, Messi has already spoken to Guardiola about a move to Manchester.
      And having grown frustrated throughout last season, reuniting with a familiar face could convince the forward to choose City.

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      Pep Guardiola managed Messi for four seasons at the Nou Camp Credit: Reuters
      PSG
      The French champions, like City, seem to have no limits when it comes to the transfer market.
      Having already broke the record when they signed Neymar for £198m from Barca three years ago, PSG are not afraid to role the dice and break the bank.
      It has been claimed Messi is open to linking up with strike partner Neymar again, with the Ligue 1 kings desperate to win the Champions League.
      But Messi’s £64m-a-year basic wages could prove to be a problem even for PSG, who pay £33m to Neymar and £19m to Kylian Mbappe every season.

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      It has been claimed Messi is open to linking up with strike partner Neymar again
      MANCHESTER UNITED
      United have reportedly not wasted any time in making contact with Messi’s representatives regarding a transfer.
      That is despite the fact they have so far failed to stump up the cash for Jadon Sancho – who Borussia Dortmund value at £108m.
      Messi is also said to prefer a move to Manchester rivals City or PSG over United.
      But SPORT, say Old Trafford bosses are confident they have the funds to pursue the sensation move.

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      CHELSEA
      The Blues looked disinterested in tempting Messi to London – until Rio Ferdinand tweeted news that Frank Lampard was in for the Argentine.
      Chelsea last season completed deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner and have carried over the spending to this season.
      They are close to wrapping up transfers for Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell – while also testing the market for a keeper.
      Making a swoop for Messi at this time seems unlikely, even if they do raise funds from money made by flogging unwanted flops.

      Just heard Frank Lampard is now in for #messiSome window this if Lamps pulls this off !!
      — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 25, 2020

      INTER MILAN
      Throughout Messi’s Barca turmoil this year, Serie A giants Inter Milan are understood to have been monitoring the situation
      Their former owner Massimo Moratti even revealed the club will plan to prize the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to Italy.
      Inter have the backing of Chinese chairman Steven Zhang, son of billionaire Zhang Jindong. 
      Messi’s dad is also believed to have a home in Milan, fuelling speculation his son could be plotting a switch to the San Siro.

      Lionel Messi ‘has contacted old Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola’ to tell him he wants Man City transfer More

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      Inside Messi, Suarez and Fabregas’ £40,000-a-week summer holiday yacht that has waverunner, two kayaks & VIP state room

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      WITH an astonishing wealth behind them – it’s no wonder Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Luis Suarez can live the high-life.
      The footballing trio played together at Barcelona with Fabregas the first to go before seemingly imminent exits for the strike duo, and they rekindled their friendship with a luxury holiday in Formentera, Spain, last summer.

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      Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas rented this stunning yacht in Formentera last summer

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      Suarez and Messi spent time on board the luxury Seven C yacht while in the Mediterranean with their WagsCredit: Splash News
      And while they were on the Balearic Islands, they’ve were seen having fun onboard a private yacht with their stunning Wags.
      Gorgeous Antonella Roccuzzo, Daniella Semaan, and Sofia Balbi have all joined their partners in tow for what looks like a dream holiday.
      But forget the bikini-clad babes, it’s their Seven C charter boat that’s the real head-turner.
      BOAT SPEC
      Measuring nearly 92ft long, it was first built in 2003 before having a refit in 2011.

      Boasting luxury interiors throughout, the vessel sleeps ten guests in four rooms, including a master suite, a VIP stateroom and two twin cabins.
      Her sizeable deck area offers plenty of room for sunbathing and relaxing, while there’s an outdoor bar to cater for guest’s thirsts.
      Seven C’s impressive leisure and entertainment features, which mean she stands out from the crowd, will also keep Messi and Co busy.

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      Seven C would’ve cost Messi, Suarez and Fabregas £40k-per-week

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      Ten guests can sleep in the four cabins

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      You can live like a king in the luxurious master bedroom

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      All rooms are air-conditioned so guests are always in comfort

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      No expense is spared with the luxurious interiors onboard the Seven C
      Toys onboard include a waverunner, which Suarez was pictured taking advantage of, a couple of kayaks, as well as a paddleboard.

      Inside, every room is perfectly air-conditioned – if you need to cool down after a day in the sun.
      Performance-wise, the Seven C is capable of hitting a top speed of 22 knots, but has a cruising speed of 18 knots.
      All of this, of course, doesn’t come cheap.
      According to Yacht Charter Fleet, the Seven C is available to hire for around £40k-per-week.
      That’s next to nothing for these millionaire footballers, who regularly love to take holidays together.

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      Suarez took advantage of a waverunner on board the Seven CCredit: Splash News

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      Messi and Co can enjoy a lunch on the sun deck in the ultimate luxury

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      Wags Antonella Roccuzzo, Daniella Semaan, and Sofia Balbi  enjoyed the delights of the Seven CCredit: Splash News

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      Suarez and Sofia Balbi look cosy on board the Seven CCredit: Instagram @luissuarez9
      NOT BEEN PLAIN SAILING FOR MESSI
      However, Messi’s break away in the Mediterranean wasn’t completely relaxing.
      The Argentinian superstar had to be escorted away from an Ibiza party after a man allegedly tried to fight him.
      It remains a mystery what prompted the incident or who was involved.
      There is no suggestion the Barcelona ace did anything wrong.

      And snaps showing their Wags and kids, on sand, sea and yacht, suggest their families are just as comfortable together too.
      Before he headed to Spain to hang out with his pals, Messi had been relaxing on the Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda.
      Fast forward 12 months and the strike duo may be following Fabregas’ footsteps and heading out the exit door – with Suarez deemed surplus to requirement and Messi requesting a transfer.

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      Barcelona team-mates Messi and Suarez regularly go on holidays togetherCredit: Splash News

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      Fabregas used to be team-mates with Messi and Suarez before he left BarcelonaCredit: Splash News

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      Messi has yet to return to pre-season training for Barcelona, and was later seen in Antigua and Barbuda with his familyCredit: Splash News

      Lionel Messi escorted away from Ibiza party by security after man ‘tries to fight’ with Barcelona star More

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      Barcelona will only sell Lionel Messi for at least £199m if they cave to his demand as release clause sits at £630m

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      BARCELONA will reportedly only sell Lionel Messi for a record £199million fee.
      The 33-year-old stunned the LaLiga giants as he handed in a transfer request to leave on a free.

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      Lionel Messi has made his decision to leave BarcelonaCredit: Rex Features
      Messi demanded Barcelona exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for nothing.
      But the club are convinced that the clause has expired – and want the biggest fee in football history for him.
      According to Catalan Broadcaster RAC, Barcelona want at least £199m for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.
      That fee would eclipse the £198million Paris Saint-Germain paid to sign Neymar in 2017.

      The source states that the club’s board have made it clear Messi will not be allowed to leave for nothing.
      Barcelona believe he is under contract with them until 2021, with a release clause of £630million.

      Messi has achieved legendary status at the Nou Camp since his debut in 2004.
      He has helped the club win 10 Spanish league titles and four Champions Leagues.

      But his decision to walk away from the club comes after their humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.
      A legal battle between the player and Barcelona is now set to take place over the clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free.
      Messi’s representatives will argue that an extension should be granted due to the delays caused the coronavirus pandemic.
      Unsurprisingly, the Argentine legend has had no shortage of interest.
      Reports claim the 33-year-old has already been in contact with Pep Guardiola over a move to Manchester City.
      Manchester United are among the favourites to sign him, while Arsenal have also emerged as shock contenders.

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      President Josep Maria Bartomeu is under huge pressure to resignCredit: Reuters

      Lionel Messi ‘has contacted old Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola’ to tell him he wants Man City transfer More

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      Inside Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo’s incredible modern Barcelona mansion with sea views and no-fly zone

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      IF Lionel Messi is to complete a shock move away from Barcelona, it will mean waving goodbye to his swanky pad in Bellamar.
      The 33-year-old could be off to Manchester City or Inter Milan having reportedly told the Blaugrana he is fed up of the way the club is being managed.

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      The view from Lionel Messi’s home out over Castelldefels can be seen behind himCredit: Instagram

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      Messi has his own gym at his stunning mansion – overlooking the scenic view of BellamarCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

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      Messi decorated his gym wall with several pictures of Muhammad Ali
      And while Messi comes awaits his fate, he can relax in his incredible mansion in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels.
      Such was the need for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to have his own peace and quiet, team-mate Ivan Rakitic revealed how the Barcelona captain bought his neighbours house.
      Situated just 12 miles away from the Camp Nou, Messi’s home boasts a small football pitch, a swimming pool, an indoor gym and a playground for his three children.
      While his property also overlooks the Balearic Sea, with the four-time Champions League winner enjoying the stunning coastal views at his luxury.

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      Lionel Messi and his family love that they can go about their business normally in BellamarCredit: Instagram

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      Lionel Messi is sure to enjoy the peace and quiet at home

      Lionel Messi has great fun as he plays football with his dog in his garden

      And to make matters better for the global icon, due to environmental restrictions, a no-fly zone has been put in place over the homes located in Castelldefels.
      Commenting on the reasons why the runways aren’t allowed to be extended at El Prat airport in Barcelona, Javier Sanchez-Prieto – president of Spanish airline Vueling – hit out at the little magician.
      He said: “You cannot pass over where Messi lives.
      “This doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world.”

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      Messi’s luxury property in the exclusive suburb of Castelldefels overlooks the Balearic SeaCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

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      Messi’s house contains its own small football pitch, where the Argentine star plays with his hulking dogCredit: Instagram @leomessi

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      The harbour and seemingly never-ending beach at CastelldefelsCredit: Google Earth

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      Messi’s young children are free to enjoy themselves in the tranquillity of the houseCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      Messi’s house is located 10 miles away from the airport, but with no planes flying overhead, only adds to the tranquillity surrounding his home.
      The 2014 World Cup runner-up also boasts a massive outdoor dining area, while his hulking dog is free to roam the garden, although he is occasionally the brunt of Messi’s skills.
      He previously showed himself toying with his pet Dogue de Bordeaux as he enjoyed a kick-about.
      In the video taken by his wife Antonella Roccuzzo, Messi can be seen casually flicking the ball over Hulk’s head, much to the delight of his children.

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      Messi’s house is located just 12 miles away from the Nou CampCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

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      Environmental restrictions have banned planes from flying over the homes in CastelldefelsCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88
      And it isn’t just Messi that has fallen in love with the houses in Bellamar, as Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho purchased properties there.
      It was reported that Suarez had bought his ex-Liverpool team-mate the mansion even before the Brazilian completed his switch from the Reds.

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      Messi and wife Antonella Roccuzzo have three children together: Thiago, Mateo and CiroCredit: Instagram @antoroccuzzo88

      Lionel Messi pulls off greatest nutmeg ever… but is it all it seems? 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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      How Chelsea could line up with Lionel Messi, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell after Ferdinand makes shock transfer claim

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      CHELSEA are set for a completely different look next season after a major spending spree.
      Boss Frank Lampard had already signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner before last season even finished.

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      And he’s understood to be close to completing deals for Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell.
      But in the biggest twist of them all, Lampard’s ex-England team-mate Rio Ferdinand claims the Blues are in to sign superstar Lionel Messi.
      Messi rocked the Barcelona hierarchy after handing in a transfer request last night.
      Despite Manchester City, United, PSG and Inter Milan being ahead in the race to sign Messi, the London giants do have the financial capability to entertain the move.

      Should Lampard somehow manage to complete the sensational signing of the little magician, he would likely occupy the Blues’ right wing.
      With Werner expected to play through the middle, Messi could be shifted out wide, like he was when Luiz Suarez arrived at the Nou Camp from Liverpool.
      Christian Pulisic could help complete a fearsome trio leading the line at Stamford Bridge.
      Playmakers Ziyech and Havertz, who can play in the middle and on the right, would then be moved back into midfield.

      N’Golo Kante would be expected to play a holding role, in what would be a an ultra-attacking line up for Chelsea.
      Should Lampard prefer more defensive options in midfield, Kante could have a partner, with Havertz or Ziyech pushed out wide, likely meaning Pulisic would make way.
      At the back experienced centre-back Silva, close to joining on a free, would add much needed composure in defence.
      Chelsea’s problem at left-back is also due to be fixed as Lampard nears acquiring his No1 target in Chilwell.
      But a major problem yet to be figured out at Stamford Bridge is who will be between the post next season.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga’s Chelsea future appears over, with a replacement top of Lampard’s wish list.

      A mega-money move for Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak looks unlikely, with cheaper alternatives instead favoured.
      Burnley’s Nick Pope and Andre Onana of Ajax have emerged as possibilities.
      Lampard is said to admire Onana and already held talks with the stopper this year.

      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 hands in Barcelona transfer request after faxing club to demand they RELEASE him from contract immediately

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      LIONEL MESSI has stunned Barcelona by handing in a transfer request to LEAVE the club on a free.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner sent a fax to the club on Tuesday demanding Barca exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for nothing with immediate effect.

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      Lionel Messi has handed in a transfer request to stun BarcelonaCredit: Manu Fernandez

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      Barcelona fans gathered outside the Nou Camp to make their feelings clear and back MessiCredit: Reuters

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      Hundreds flocked to the ground to hurl insults at the club’s board and president Josep Maria BartomeuCredit: EPA
      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.
      It is understood the Barcelona board will meet imminently with president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s resignation believed to be the only thing that could see Messi have a change of heart.

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      President Josep Maria Bartomeu, with new boss Ronald Koeman, is under huge pressure to resignCredit: AFP or licensors
      Reports in Catalonia suggest Bartomeu is under extreme pressure to quit and is possibly considering an exit – board members Jordi Moix and David Bellver are already believed to have offered their resignation.
      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.

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      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, were pictured swearing and hung banners calling for him to be quit.
      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.

      Earlier, ex-Barca president Joan Laporta laid into the current “incompetent” hierarchy as he prepares a bid for office again.
      He reckons that Barcelona are actually plotting to sell Messi regardless of his future plans.
      And Laporta also believes Suarez has been treated extremely poorly after some incredible years of service to the club.
      Laporta tweeted: “They have told Suarez they don’t want him by telephone.

      “That seems an act of cowardice and a lack of respect towards the player.
      “It’s an unacceptable way for the club to behave and it harms the image of the club.
      “I suspect they want to sell Messi. Poor Barca in the hands of these incompetents.”

      Luis Suarez ‘in transfer talks with Premier League clubs’ as Barcelona outcast snubs Ajax return More