Why does Lionel Messi want to leave Barcelona? How the perfect football relationship broke down

Lionel Messi
(Image credit: PA)

Lionel Messi has told Barcelona bosses that he wants to leave the club this summer – and wishes to trigger a clause in his contract that will mean he can leave on a free transfer.

Barcelona have confirmed the news, but unsurprisingly see things a little differently: they believe the clause that would allow that expired in June, and that Messi has a release clause of €700 million.

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Conor Pope
Online Editor

Conor Pope is the former Online Editor of FourFourTwo, overseeing all digital content. He plays football regularly, and has a large, discerning and ever-growing collection of football shirts from around the world.


He supports Blackburn Rovers and holds a season ticket with south London non-league side Dulwich Hamlet. His main football passions include Tugay, the San Siro and only using a winter ball when it snows.