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Messi will only stay if Bartomeu quits, Barcelona presidential candidate claims

Lionel Messi will only stay at Barcelona if Josep Maria Bartomeu resigns, according to presidential candidate Victor Font.

Messi rocked Barcelona on Tuesday when it emerged the six-time Ballon d'Or winner informed the club he wants to leave.

The 33-year-old reportedly has a clause in his contract that would allow him to unilaterally terminate their agreement following the 2019-20 season in order to join another club.

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While it was required to be activated before the end of May, Messi told the Catalan giants he still intends to make use of the clause as the season was extended into August due to the coronavirus pandemic.