It's reported that Lionel Messi did NOT report for Barcelona's pre-season testing after telling the club he wants out.
The Argentine superstar stunned the football world by sending an official legal notice that he wants to leave Camp Nou on a free transfer.
There is a clause in Messi's contract that allows him to walk away for free at the end of his penultimate season.
While Barcelona insist that expired on June 10, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's camp claim it has been extended due to the coronavirus shutdown which saw the season extended.
There could be a protracted legal battle over the wording of the contract, with uncertainty over whether it specifies a date or merely states that Messi can leave at the end of the season.
Manchester City are keen to bring La Pulga to the Premier League, while Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter have also been linked.
Barcelona's squad reported to Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Sunday morning for their pre-season tests.
Messi was due to arrive at 10.15am local time, but according to Onda Cera the Barça captain did not arrive.
That follows on from a report from RAC that the 33-year-old had informed the club he considers himself a free agent after activating the clause and would not report for training.
