Messi considers backtracking on Barcelona exit

Leo Messi could be set to make a sensational U-turn on his decision to leave Barcelona following his father and agent’s meeting with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The Argentine sent a burofax to indicate his intention of departing the club but he is now seriously considering continuing at Barcelona for another year.

The reason for Messi’s sudden change of heart is due to Barcelona’s absolute refusal to sell him, which would leave him with the only other option of going to court to terminate his contract which is something that he doesn’t want to do.

Messi believes the law is on his side but doesn’t want to leave the club of his heart on the basis of a legal battle.

PSG and Manchester City hesitant
The two clubs considered the only realistic possible destinations for Messi – Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City – are also not keen on risking a legal dispute.

Both PSG and City wanted the Argentine to agree to a peaceful exit with Barcelona and then be able to negotiate with him once he was a free agent.

But that no longer looks a possibility as Bartomeu insists he will not allow Messi to leave.

What the president is offering Messi is the opportunity to renew his contract until 2022 under the terms that had been discussed a few months ago, which was a two year extension but with a release clause allowing him to leave next summer if he wishes.

This was what was discussed in the meeting between Bartomeu and Jorge Messi had on Wednesday.

Return to training?
Messi has not yet turned up for pre-season training nor undergone a PCR test like the rest of his teammates did last Sunday.It remains to be seen whether Messi will return to training in the next few days, which would confirm his change of heart.

Furthermore, while Jorge Messi has at least given some comments to the press, Leo has not, and the fans will be desperate to hear directly from the man himself to understand exactly what has happened and what his intentions are.