Bartomeu denied resignation, Messi spoke to Man City - Report

Josep Maria Bartomeu. Photo: Noelia Deniz/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu denies he has resigned, while reports in Spain, England and Italy push Leo Messi closer to Manchester City than Inter, even suggesting he called Pep Guardiola.


Messi sent a fax to the club today demanding a transfer as a free agent, although Barcelona insist the clause allowing that has already expired.

Suggestions in Argentina claimed this was largely a ploy to force President Bartomeu into resigning, which certainly got the base riled up, as there are tonight furious protests outside Camp Nou calling for his head.

However, Bartomeu told Sport this evening that he has not resigned and is not inclined to call an election until March 2021.

Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio insists that he asked his Inter sources many times about the Messi approach and they are simply not actively working on it.

At the same time, Spanish sources RAC1, Cadena Ser and El Larguero all claim Messi spoke to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola over the last few days to ask about a possible transfer.

The same story is backed by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Tuttomercatoweb in Italy and more.

Inter would have a huge advantage over Manchester City, specifically the taxation law in Italy allowing expats to pay a tiny percentage on foreign income.

City also only just avoided Champions League exclusion under Financial Fair Play rules and have to be careful going forward with massive expenses.