The Spanish La Liga on Sunday released a statement saying captain, Lionel Messi’s Barcelona contract was still valid amid interest linking the 33-year-old to Manchester City.
The announcement comes days after the Argentine’s shock announcement that he wants to leave the Blaugrana and hours after he failed to attend a pre-season medical on Sunday. Spain’s football ruling body said the only way for the Argentine forward to be released from the contract was to trigger a 700-million euros release clause.
“In compliance with the applicable rule, La Liga will not approve a request to be de-registered as a player with the Spanish football federation, unless the amount in the release clause has been paid,” La Liga said in a statement.Reuters footage showed Barcelona players arriving for coronavirus tests on Sunday morning and Messi did not appear.