Lionel Messi’s release clause expired at end of 2019/20 season

Lionel Messi will not be tied to his €700million (£632m) release clause as it expired at the end of last season, according to reports in Spain. The Argentine superstar handed in a transfer request last week and was hopeful he could terminate his contract. That move has been blocked by Barcelona chiefs, who insist that option expired last June, when the 2019/20 season was scheduled to end before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Barcelona fans have been protesting outside the Camp Nou to try and keep Messi at the club, but it appears another bombshell has just been dropped.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER claim the £632m release clause expired at the end of the 2019/20 campaign and there is no longer a buy-out figure in Messi’s contract. However, La Liga contested these reports on Sunday morning and insisted Messi’s release clause was still valid. The short statement appeared to confirm that any club wishing to sign Messi would have to cough up €700m this summer.

Messi was absent as Barcelona’s players were tested for coronavirus this weekend, meaning he will be unable to take part in Ronald Koeman’s first training session as manager on Monday. The iconic forward informed the club that he would not be attending via Burofax and discussions are set to continue over the next few days. Messi is thought to be open to a switch to Manchester City where he would potentially be reunited with Pep Guardiola.