Transfer Centre

Lionel Messi to boycott Barcelona's first day back?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 29 August 2020

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi will reportedly boycott the club's first training session back as he attempts to force a move to Manchester City.

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi is reportedly set to boycott the club's first training session back as he seeks a move away from Camp Nou.

The Argentine superstar has handed in a transfer request to the Catalan giants and has naturally been linked with a host of top European sides in recent days.

However, while Messi supposedly believes that he is now a free agent, Barca have affirmed that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is still under contract until 2021 with a €700m (£624.3m) release clause.

In order to force a move away from Barcelona amid the unrest behind the scenes, Catalan radio station RAC1 claims that Messi is refusing to attend Sunday's scheduled coronavirus testing.

Manchester City are understood to be leading the race for the forward's signature, with reports suggesting that Pep Guardiola is set to meet with Messi face-to-face after landing in Barcelona.

Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be in the running to land the prolific Argentine, who has amassed 634 goals in 731 games for Barcelona across all competitions.