BARCELONA TRAIN WITHOUT LIONEL MESSI AS IMPENDING TRANSFER LOOMS
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Lionel Messi could spend another year at Barcelona before leaving in far easier circumstances next year.
The Argentine made his intentions clear last week when he expressed a desire to leave the Nou Camp.
But leaving the club he has been at for almost 20 years is proving difficult with Barcelona demanding his £632m release clause be paid in full.
Messi's entourage originally believed they could still quit the Catalans for nothing as per a clause in his contract.
The activation date has passed however and Barcelona are digging their heels in regarding the potential departure of their star player.
© UEFA via Getty ImagesLionel Messi could yet stay in Spain
President Josep Maria Bartomeu is refusing to back down and Messi does not want to be involved in a court case, reports Marca.
It now means he could remain at the club for another 12 months before leaving for nothing next summer.
Messi has been a leader for over a decade as Barcelona enjoy the most successful period in their history.
He does not want to leave in a way that could tarnish his legacy and is prepared to stick it out a little longer.
© Getty ImagesBarcelona had a poor season
The Catalans have endured a challenging year which saw them change managers mid-season and concede eight in a humiliating Champions League defeat.
They also surrendered their La Liga crown to arch rivals Real Madrid following a poor end to the season which saw them drop points in four of their final nine games.
Messi also returned his worst goal tally in more than a decade in a team that is set for a mass overhaul.
Ronald Koeman has since taken over from Quique Setien who was sacked in the aftermath of their Bayern Munich mauling.