FC Barcelona: Messi force Bartomeu exit

Emblem of FC Barcelona

Reports suggest Lionel Messi demanded a transfer in order to force the resignation of Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu – and it worked.


It is now confirmed by multiple sources that Messi did send a fax requesting a transfer, activating a clause in his contract allowing him to leave as a free agent.

Although there is interest from the likes of Inter, Manchester City, Juventus, Milan, PSG and more, it may well be that La Pulga isn’t going anywhere.

It’s now reported by TyC in Argentina that Messi made the gesture as a last-ditch attempt to force President Bartomeu into resigning – and that it worked.

With protests outside Camp Nou this evening calling for his head, and an emergency board meeting at the club, this play may well have paid off.

It’s suggested Barteomeu either has already resigned or the board asked for his resignation, sparking early elections.

His days in charge had seemed frankly numbered after the 8-2 Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich and it surprised many when he tried to continue without any real changes at the top.

Much-criticised director Eric Abidal was not fired either, and simply opted to resign.

This could also put the role of new coach Ronald Koeman into the spotlight, as a new President could seek a different tactician.