Crucial hours for Messi's continuity at Barcelona: this is what we know

The future of Lionel Messi is defined 2:10

(CNN Spanish) -

On August 25, the football world was shaken by Lionel Messi’s request to leave Barcelona.

The Argentine star, considered by many to be the best player in the history of the Blaugrana club, began to organize an exit when history dictated that Barça would be the only team in his career.

Messi asks for his departure

Lionel Messi sent a letter to FC Barcelona informing him that he wishes to leave the team.

The Argentine has a current contract until 2021, but wants to make a termination clause effective.

Messi wants to leave, how does Barcelona remain stopped?

2:30

Barcelona wants to make the contract effective and LaLiga supports it

The team considers that the contract is in force and the termination clause expired on June 10.

LaLiga endorsed Barcelona in a statement on August 30.

• The contract is currently in force and has a "termination clause" applicable to the event that Lionel Andrés Messi decides to urge the early unilateral termination of the contract, carried out in accordance with article 16 of Royal Decree 1006/1985, of June 26, by which regulates the special employment relationship of professional athletes.

• "In compliance with the applicable regulations, and following the corresponding procedure in these cases, LaLiga will not carry out the prior visa procedure for the player to be removed from the federation if they have not previously paid the amount of said clause," says the LaLiga statement.

Messi: The challenges of a key clause with FC Barcelona 3:53

The future of the player

The player's father and representative Jorge Messi traveled from Rosario, Argentina, to Barcelona on September 2, to discuss Messi's future.

Upon his arrival in Barcelona, ​​he assured that Messi's situation and continuity with the team is difficult.

The future of Lionel Messi is defined 2:10

Manchester City is the big favorite

The English team has not had an official position on their desire to have Messi, but the club's sports management has already worked with him at Barcelona, ​​the coach is Pep Guardiola who has been the coach who has best exploited Messi and one of his best friends, Sergio Agüero, have played for City since 2011.

In addition, the English team could afford a high salary at the level of Lionel Messi.

Why would it be logical for Messi to go to Manchester City 1:41

Messi, silent and absent

The Argentine has not spoken publicly, nor did he appear with the team for the first official calls.

On Sunday, August 30, the coronavirus tests for the first team were carried out, before Monday's training sessions, Messi did not attend either of them.

What's next for Lionel Messi 1:30

Barcelona FCLionel MessiManchester City