According to multiple reliable sources, football legend Lionel Messi is leaving Barcelona, and that’s a final decision. It has been confirmed that he is leaving the club and would not renew his contract. This means that Barcelona has two choices, sell him now or he walks for free.
Lionel Messi’s contract expiration and release clause
What is Lionel Messi’s release clause?
According to people familiar with the matter, Lionel Messi’s contract release clause is €700 million (£630m/$825m). That’s a lot of money for any club to pay to be able to afford Lionel Messi’s transfer bill. However, Manchester City is the leader among teams that are interested in signing him.
Messi and Barcelona agreed on the €700 million transfer release clause when he signed a new four-year contract with Barcelona in 2017. His current contract will expire in 2021.
Why Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona was a shock
Messi can be seen as the god of football and legends like him hardly switch clubs especially at the age of 33. However, this year was a strange year for Lionel Messi and Barcelona, the club did not win any title this season. Many expected him to stay, he is a legend and an Icon of football who has played his entire career at Barcelona and it’s a big shock for the fans and many people that he had decided to leave the club.
Interesting things about Lionel Messi
- Football clubs that he has played for – FC Barcelona
- Age and date of birth – he is now 33 years old and was born on June 24, 1987
- Messi’s wife – Antonela Roccuzzo, 32 years old, born on February 26, 1988
- Weekly salary: $646,000 per week
- Lionel Messi Net worth £309 million ($400m)
- When will Lionel Messi’s contract with Barcelona expires – 2021
Developing story
Messi Ballon dOr awards