Fans Are Already Claiming Lionel Messi As Their Own After News Of His Barcelona Exit

Lionel Messi's decorated, 16-year career with Barcelona looks set to end after the Argentine reportedly told the club he wants to leave.

And incredibly, hilarious football fans from across the globe have already called dibs on him by photoshopping the 33-year-old's head on the jersey of their respective teams.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Messi has triggered his £630million (AU$1.1billion) buyout clause after asking Barcelona officials to sell him.

Messi has scored an incredible 444 goals in 485 appearances for the Catalan giants, but it's understood he's not willing to continue at the Nou Camp under the guidance of new boss Ronald Koeman.

PA

Reports have already began circling as to where the six-time Ballon d'Or winner will end up.

A mega-money move to the Serie A to join former rival Cristiano Ronaldo looks likely with Inter Milan eager to capture Messi's signature.

Meanwhile, Premier League big spenders Manchester City could be tempted to sign the La Liga legend on a short-term deal - they've certainly got the funds to cough up his monster wages.

PA

But while transfer talks and wild rumours are bound to hit the news in the coming months, some hilarious fans have decided to take matters into their own hands.

In wake of the news of Messi's inevitable departure from Barcelona, supporters took to social media with photoshopped images of the Argentine great playing for their team.

From West Ham tragics to trophy-hungry Tottenham die-hards, fans from all walks of the planet have joined in on the act - and there's some pretty funny (and really low quality) edits.

Topics: Football, Barcelona, Serie A, Lionel Messi, Premier League, Transfer news, Australia, , La Liga, Barca

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry