Barcelona have been rocked by the shocking news that Lionel Messi wants to leave the club this summer.
The Argentinian wants to an end a near 20-year stay with the club, sending the club a fax on Tuesday asking to have his contract terminated.
Reports claim the Argentina international had a clause in his contract which, if activated, would allow him to walk away from the club for free and likely spark a scramble for the playmaker’s signature.
Check out how the world of football has reacted to the Barca bombshell, including current team-mate Luis Suarez, who is reportedly surplus to requirements in Catalonia under new manager Ronald Koeman.
Reaction
💙❤️ Carles Puyol: "Respect and admiration, Leo. All of my support, friend."
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) August 25, 2020
Is it official? 😲 https://t.co/UrwO7r6a2O
👏👏
— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) August 25, 2020
If Messi is to leave @FCBarcelona by activating a release clause, then I hope the club try to help, not hinder him. He’s been fiercely loyal and their greatest ever player. It would be terribly sad if it finished with a fight between the player and the club.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 25, 2020
Just heard Frank Lampard is now in for #messi
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 25, 2020
Some window this if Lamps pulls this off !!
PSG ❌
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) August 25, 2020
Man City ❓
Barcelona ❓@GuillemBalague says Lionel Messi’s future could be decided in court
due to a contract dispute.
📲📻 https://t.co/df2sRopiIU#bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/5HSNEc9fJA
Joan Laporta, former FC Barcelona president, has asked for Bartomeu and the board to resign immediately in order to have any hope in having Messi stay at the club. https://t.co/eNTz0qOrVe
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 25, 2020
Spanish football journalist Alvaro Montero believes Manchester City will be the best option for Lionel Messi after telling Barcelona he wants to leave the Spanish club. pic.twitter.com/5gaU4LP9Vp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 25, 2020
"There is a little bit of confusion with this one..."
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 25, 2020
Sky Sports News' @skysports_sheth explains the two clauses regarding Lionel Messi's future. pic.twitter.com/OmRP5nAp65
🗣 "This president is too stubborn and will try and sit this out and even fight in the courts over the contract which will be a disgraceful scenario."
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 25, 2020
Spanish football expert @BumperGraham on Barcelona's president pic.twitter.com/AuLr4rGCAU
Might be time for Cristiano to invite Messi round for that dinner party...pic.twitter.com/HbicSaAvpm
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 25, 2020
Ahhh Messi is Leaving...😱
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 25, 2020
