LaLiga Backs Barcelona Over Messi’s Contract Dispute

LaLiga have sided with Barcelona in their bitter contract dispute with star player Lionel Messi.

The 33-year-old believes that he should be eligible to walk out of Camp Nou for nothing, as part of a clause in his contract.

But LaLiga have ruled that his claim is invalid – meaning that potential suitors such as Manchester City will have to pay his £630million release clause in full.

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A LaLiga statement read on Sunday:”The contract is currently in force and has a “termination clause” applicable to the event that Lionel Andrés Messi decides to urge the early unilateral termination of the contract, carried out in accordance with article 16 of Royal Decree 1006/1985, of June 26, by which regulates the special employment relationship of professional athletes.

“In compliance with the applicable regulations, and following the corresponding procedure in these cases, LaLiga will not carry out the prior visa process for the player to be removed from the federation if they have not previously paid the amount (£630million) of said clause.”

Messi, 33, sent a fax to the club on Tuesday informing them of his decision to exercise the clause in his deal to walk out of the club for free.

But Barcelona have maintained throughout that it expired on June 10.

Messi’s representatives, however, argue that due to the season being extended following the coronavirus lockdown, that an extension should be granted.

LaLiga’s statement, however, vehemently denies such a right.

The situation could be set to rumble on and on – as Messi snubbed the club’s  coronavirus testing on Sunday morning.

Barcelona’s first-team squad, including Luis Suarez, arrived for testing ahead of pre-season.

But Messi was not among them.

This means that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will not be eligible to take part in Ronald Koeman’s first training session tomorrow.

Fans have taken to Camp Nou to protest against the club’s ownership in the wake of Messi’s decision to leave.

But it would appear that the man himself wants to reunite with former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

According to L’Equipe, PSG director Leonardo contacted Messi’s father, Jorge, to try and sort out a deal – only to be told that he has chosen City.

And Mundo Deportivo’s Francesc Aguilar reported earlier this week that City supremo Ferran Soriano has reassured the Messi camp that they can afford a deal – even if the clause was rejected, as has been the case.

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