What a pivotal summer Barcelona are facing.

In truth, a period of change is now several years overdue at the Nou Camp.

But given how shockingly bad this season has been, there can be few arguments that the time is right for wholesale change.

Losing the La Liga title to rivals Real Madrid was bad enough as the Catalan side lost their grip on Spanish dominance.

However losing their credibility in Europe was what really sent fans into overdrive.

Typically considered relative favourites to win the Champions League, many expected Barcelona to push Bayern Munich all the way in their quarter-final clash.

But instead they were on the receiving end of an 8-2 thrashing which signalled the dramatic end of the Spanish giants as we know them.

Changes are already being made, with Quique Setien being replaced as head coach by Ronald Koeman, and Eric Abidal being fired from his role as the club's sporting director.

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But both of these alterations have paled into insignificance compared to the the latest speculation over the club's messiah.

Of course we're talking about the potential departure of Lionel Messi.

Reports have claimed that the 33-year-old is considering his options after growing frustrated by the stagnant Spanish side.

Among the clubs interested is Inter Milan who are said to be keen on a move.

However it seems that Barcelona could be about to make a departure incredibly difficult for the Argentine.

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Reports from Mundo Deportivo have claimed that the Catalan side see Messi as 'untransferable' and are unlikely to let the player leave.

This is due to Messi's astronomical £630million release clause, which as it stands, is the fee that will need to be matched for the player to move on.

Should the player formally request to leave the club, the report claims that Barcelona will remind him of the release clause with Messi still having one year left on his contract.

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

I just can't imagine seeing Lionel Messi turn out for any club other than Barcelona.

Just to see him in the colours of a different team would be incredibly strange to see.

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However I'm of the belief that Messi should be allowed to leave if that's his wish.

Having been at the club since the age of 13, the Argentine has been incredibly loyal to the Spanish side in an era where players typically move on every four or five years.

Barcelona owe Messi a move if he is determined to leave as a thankyou for his service over the years.

For them to price him out of a move would leave a bitter taste in the mouth of everyone involved.