The Argentine appears keen on leaving the club this summer.
The transfer saga of Lionel Messi has taken a new turn as La Liga has claimed that the Argentine’s buyout clause has not expired.
According to reports, La Liga has claimed that Messi’s 700 millon euros release clause has to be paid in full if he wants to leave the Nou Camp.
The statement read:
“The contract is currently valid and contains a release clause which is applicable should Lionel Messi decide to trigger the early unilateral termination of the contract, in accordance with article 16 of Royal Decree 1006/1985 of 26 June, which regulates the special employment status that professional sportspeople have.
“In compliance with the applicable regulations and protocol that apply in such instances, La Liga will not carry out the prior visa-release process for the player to be unregistered from the (Royal Spanish Football) Federation if the sum in the aforementioned clause has not been paid beforehand.”
It has been recently reported that the Blaugrana star can leave for free in the summer with the help of a clause in his current deal. However, the Barca hierarchy believes that the clause, which allows Messi to leave the club at the end of each season, has expired.
The 33-year-old appears to be adamant in forcing a way out of the club after he skipped the PCR tests ahead of the new season.
However, Barca are said to be trying their best to keep hold of their legend and ready to offer him a contract renewal.
