Lionel Messi's father met with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday as the six-time Ballon d'Or winner pushes for a move from the Camp Nou.Messi has failed to return for the start of pre-season after making clear his desire to leave.Barcelona, however, aren't ready to let the club captain leave and are refusing to accept that he has activated a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free this summer.The €700 million release clause in Messi's contract still applies, as far as Barcelona are concerned.Barcelona's players returned last Sunday for coronavirus testing and pre-season training began on Monday.But Messi has been absent for every session.
On Wednesday, the 33-year-old's father Jorge met with Bartomeu in Barcelona for crunch talks.There was so much attention on the meeting that Sky Sports even reported what had to eat beforehand.
Details of meeting emerge
Details of their meeting have now emerged and it sounds like we're no closer to a resolution.
The encounter ended without an agreement, according to Sport.
Bartomeu, it’s reported, wants to convince Messi to remain at Barcelona, whereas Jorge is trying to find a way for his son to leave.
The men were joined in the meeting by Barça director Javier Bordas, Jorge’s other son Rodrigo and his lawyer Jorge Pecur.
According to TycSports, Jorge made it clear where his son stands by telling Bartomeu: "My son will not stay."
Jorge is said to have been 'firm' in his position towards the Barcelona president.
Bartomeu responded by reiterating that the club want Messi to stay and are counting on him, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Messi has also been offered a two-year contract extension to stay at the Camp Nou.
Talks between the two parties will continue in the coming days as they look to reach a resolution.
The chess game continues, and it doesn't look like it's going to end anytime soon.