Barcelona are adamant that Lionel Messi can only legally leave for free is if he sits out from playing next season, according to reports.
Both parties have differing views on the €700 million buyout clause in Messi’s contract.
ESPN claim Barca’s interpretation of the clause is that Messi could quit the club but would have to forgo his salary and could not sign for a new club until the following the summer.
However, Messi and his representatives argue that he has already activated a clause to cancel his contract, hence his reason for not attending Sunday’s preseason testing at the club’s training facility.
The Argentine included the contract when he signed an extension in 2017, but Barca believe he missed the deadline to trigger the clause this season.
Jorge Messi’s – the 33-year-old’s father and agent – will reportedly meet with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu this week to discuss the situation.
Both sides want to avoid a landmark court case over the release clause and are willing to discuss a solution.
Barca still have a two-year contract extension on the table for Messi.
But it is growing increasingly unlikely the superstar will remain at the Camp Nou beyond this summer.
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