[Brother Leon]

Lionel Messi hands in Barcelona transfer request
By Guillem Balague
Spanish football writer


Forward Lionel Messi has asked to leave Spanish giants Barcelona this summer.

The Argentina international, 33, sent a fax to the club on Tuesday saying he wishes to exercise a clause in his contract, allowing him to leave for free with immediate effect.

Barca were beaten 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals on 16 August.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner made his debut for Barca in 2004 and has won the Champions League four times.

Barcelona, though, believe the clause has now expired and Messi is contracted to the club until 2021 with a 700m euro buy-out clause.

The board will meet soon and the only thing that could placate Messi is the resignation of the president and early elections.

Abu Dhabi City FC or Qatar FC bound.

[Denver]

He is expecting to be offered double the amount he is paid now which wont happen, he will either stay or end in Miami

[AnnieK]

I've heard City were interested in him

[James]

Hope he goes to another European club rather than the MLS.

Messi and C. Ronaldo are definitely in the top-four of all-time.

[Black Dagger]

Him to **** off back to Barca when he hears me scream "IYAAAAA LUV" at his unveiling.

[LeatherTrumpet]

West Ham to pounce?

[Dogeatdog]

Originally Posted by AnnieK

I've heard City were interested in him

They’re probably the only club that can afford him.

[bitontheslide]

PSG could afford him

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

West Ham to pounce?

You wish.