Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, is confident his son is no longer tied to the €700-million release clause written into the Barcelona deal he signed in 2017.
Jorge, who also acts as his son’s agent, quoted what he believes is a crucial passage in the contract’s paperwork in a letter to La Liga president Javier Tebas.
It reads: “This compensation will not apply when the resolution of the contract, by the unilateral decision of the player, takes effect from the end of the 2019-20 sporting season,” as translated by ESPN’s Moises Llorens and Alex Kirkland.
“It’s obvious that the compensation of €700 million … does not apply at all,” Jorge concluded.
The letter was written in response to one issued by La Liga last Sunday, which strongly supported Barcelona’s side of the rift. It’s widely believed Messi was able to terminate his contract at the club by June 10, but the fact that he sent his request to leave on Aug. 25 meant his option had expired and Barcelona can reject any offers under €700 million for Messi.
Messi’s representatives argued their client should’ve been granted an extended deadline due to the prolonged season. However, the player’s father said the contract doesn’t specify a date by which the release clause must be exercised, only that it must be done at the end of the 2019-20 campaign, according to BBC Sport.
Barcelona remain convinced Messi will be their player for the 2020-21 season, according to the Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano. It’s understood the club’s stance is firm: pay the €700 million or he stays at Camp Nou.
Messi is yet to report for preseason training with Barcelona because his lawyers reportedly believe the superstar would harm his legal position by working with the club ahead of the 2020-21 term.
Manchester City are apparently the front-runners for Messi’s signature if he can depart Barcelona. The Premier League outfit is apparently considering offering a three-year contract to Messi, followed by an option to join its sister club in Major League Soccer, New York City FC, at the end of his stay in England.
Paris Saint-Germain are also considered among the main candidates to sign Messi, while Inter Milan backed out of the race earlier this week.
