Barcelona’s interim president, Carles Tusquets, has admitted that he “would have sold Lionel Messi in the summer”, with some big decisions facing those at Camp Nou.
A six-time Ballon d’Or winner looked to be heading for the exits when the 2019-20 campaign came to a close.
Having grown disillusioned with life in Catalunya on and off the field, Messi stunned the football world when stating his desire to move on.
Editors' Picks
Barca moved quickly to make the Argentine aware that a release clause in his contract was no longer valid, forcing the 33-year-old to reassess his options and agree to stay put.