Lionel Messi Skips Compulsory Coronavirus Test At Barcelona's Training Ground

Lionel Messi is nowhere to be seen.

According to multiple reports, the Argentine has skipped a compulsory coronavirus test at Barcelona's training ground.

This comes not long after news broke of Messi's desire to leave the Catalan club after a decorated 16-year career.

PA

The 32-year-old, who has scored an incredible 444 goals in 485 appearances for Barca, informed the La Liga giants of his wishes to part ways following the appointment of Ronald Koeman as manager.

The move subsequently triggers Messi's staggering £630million (AU$1.1billion) buyout clause, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

But while initial reports suggested the release clause didn't come into effect for the last year of his contract, La Liga officials confirmed that it in fact did - meaning potential suitors would have to cough up the cash if they wanted to sign the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

But while the updated news of his buyout clause gave a much-needed boost to Barca, they were hit with another blow in their bid to keep him at the Nou Camp.

PA

Messi, along with the entire Barcelona team, was meant to report to the club's training ground to undertake a compulsory coronavirus test - but the Argentine was a no show.

It's understood Messi was due for testing at around 10:15am local time on Sunday but he failed to show his face at the Ciutat Esportiva facility.

Did he simply lose track of time? Or was it a power move from the club's talismanic captain in a bid to force his way out? We'll never truly know the answer.

One thing is for certain, though, and it's that Messi is now be unable to join his teammates for Ronald Koeman's first training session in charge.

While his whereabouts is still unknown, it didn't stop the club from slapping him with a fine for missing the test deadline.

But with a mega-money move to Premier League juggernauts Manchester City on the cards, he'll undoubtedly make up for that fine when club owner and squillionaire Sheikh Mansour signs off on his monster wages.

Topics: Manchester City, Football, Barcelona, Transfers, Lionel Messi, Coronavirus, Australia, Barca, Covid-19

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