Lionel Messi's Barcelona exit clause expires, Argentina icon to remain with LaLiga giants

Lionel Messi exit clause, which allowed him to leave Barcelona for free in summer, reportedly expired over weekend. In 2017, Lionel Messi added a clause in his Barcelona contract which gave him option to leave in 2020 as long as he tified club about his decision before June. However, ESPN reported that multiple sources from Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi exit clause expired on May 30, 2020, and that six-time Ballon d'Or winner will stay at Camp u for at least a year more. Lionel Messi Barcelona contract runs till end of next season.

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Lionel Messi exit clause expired over weekend

ESPN reported that y contacted Lionel Messi's team for confirmation. However, y replied stating "We don't speak about contractual issues." Spanish media outlet El Pais first reported Lionel Messi exit clause situation back in September 2019 and news was backed by Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique. 33-year-old defender, while talking about Lionel Messi exit clause, said in an interview, "Messi has earned right to be able to choose what he does with his future after everything he's given club."

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Strong rumours surrounded Lionel Messi's exit from Barcelona

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were constantly linked with Lionel Messi following Argentine's feud with Barcelona's Director of Football, Eric Abidal. Lionel Messi was at loggerheads with Barcelona board for weeks as re were rumours about Lionel Messi and co being unwilling to accept w cuts amid coronavirus shutdown. Lionel Messi mentioned on social media afterwards, "Surprised that from inside club re would be people that want to pressure us into something that we were always clear we wanted to do."

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Lionel Messi's Instagram post regarding pay cut issue

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However, Barcelona board and fans were confident about ir legend sticking with club until end of his career. Lionel Messi has gone on record several times stating that he wants to end his career at Barcelona, which he refers to as his 'home'. However, Messi has also expressed a desire to return to his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys back in Argentina. Lionel Messi, in one of his interviews, said, "I love Barcelona but I really do miss Rosario. This is my home, I've been here longer than Argentina. I love Barcelona, where I live and I really enjoy what I do for a living."

Lionel Messi joined Barcelona youth's team as a teenr in 2000. He made his first senior team appearance for Barcelona in 2004 and has gone on to make a total of 718 appearances for club. club legend has scored 627 goals for Barcelona, which makes him highest goalscorer in history of club. Meanwhile, LaLiga action is set to return on June 12 after a halt of almost three months. Barcelona top  LaLiga standings with a two-point lead over archrivals Real Madrid.

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