Lionel Messi has been told he lacks respect for Barcelona following his decision to leave the club in an interview by presidential candidate Toni Freixa.
It came to light on Tuesday that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner had informed Barcelona of his wish to move on.
The decision comes in the wake of Barca's humiliating 8-2 defeat in the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich and amid growing frustrations with how the club is being run at boardroom level.
Messi has asked the club to accept a clause in his contract that would allow him to walk away from the Camp Nou for nothing at the end of the season, but it is a bone of contention as the date for the clause to be activated has technically passed.
The Argentine's camp believe it is still valid due to the season only ending in August but Barcelona disagree and want him to stay at the club as they attempt to rebuild under new manager Ronald Koeman.
Former director and 2021 presidential candidate Freixa has criticised Messi for his handling of the situation and told him the only way he will leave is if his 700 million euro release clause is paid in full.
“I am not overly concerned about Messi leaving because everything has an end,” he told Radio Marca. “What is important is that he did it in such an unfortunate way and without respecting the club.
“I am surprised and disappointed as a Barcelona man I am disappointed by what Messi has done. The contracts are to be fulfilled and what Messi has to do is come with €700million (£628millon) and leave.”
While City have always been confident that they would be well placed to sign the 33-year-old should he ever leave Catalonia, a move is still very much up in the air.
Pep Guardiola has repeatedly said that it's his wish for Messi to end his career at Barcelona and City are currently targeting a move for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
