Lionel Messi to stay put at Barcelona – La Liga

Lionel Messi to stay put at Barcelona – La Liga

Spain’s Football Association, La Liga has issued a statement in an attempt to defuse the pending Lionel Messi and Barcelona feud that has made huge headlines around the world.

According to a statement issued by La Liga, the 700m euros (£624m) release clause in Lionel Messi’s Barcelona contract is still valid.

On Tuesday,Messi, 33, communicated his intentions of leaving the club via fax adding that, he wouldn’t partake in the pre-season medical on Sunday as part of activities by the club to follow safety rules and protocols ahead of the new season.

Barcelona held the stance that the player would have walked free in June but that deadline elapsed as he failed to take up the option of leaving back then.

In a statement issued by  La Liga, it has however suggested that, if any club wishes to sign the current world best player, they would have to meet his existing buyout 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,” the body said in a statement.

Messi was due at Barcelona’s training ground at 10.15am local time on Sunday but did not attend.

It remains uncertain whether Messi’s camp will heed to this new statement that has been issued by Spain’s top football hierarchy or pursue the case to the latter.