La Liga Confirm Lionel Messi's €700 Million Release Clause Has NOT Expired

La Liga have released a statement confirming Lionel Messi's €700 million release clause is still valid, despite rumours it had expired.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner didn't turn up for Barcelona's PCR tests this morning after handing in a transfer request earlier this week.

Messi's lawyers were adamant the 33-year-old could activate a clause in his contract to leave the club on a free, as it was believed a release clause didn't exist in the final year of his contract.

However, La Liga's stunning declaration on Sunday afternoon adds yet another twist to the summer's biggest transfer saga.

"In relation to the different interpretations (some of them contradictory to each other) published in recent days in different media, related to the contractual situation of the player Lionel Andrés Messi with FC Barcelona, La Liga wishes to clarify that with regards to the player's contract with his club," the statement begun per Mirror.

"The contract is currently in force and has a 'termination clause' applicable to the event that Lionel Andrés Messi decides to activate the early unilateral termination of the contract, carried out in accordance with article 16 of Royal Decree 1006/1985, of June 26, which regulates the special employment relationship of professional athletes.

"In compliance with the applicable regulations, and following the corresponding procedure in these cases, LaLiga will not carry out the prior visa process for the player to be removed from the federation if they have not previously paid the amount of said clause."

PA

The news will come as a bitter blow to Manchester City who looked to be leading the race to sign Messi.

Sky Sports have reported this still doesn't change Messi's plans to leave the Camp Nou this summer.

His contract expires in 2021 and a reunion Pep Guardiola in the Premier League appeals to the Argentine international.

PA

Messi and Guardiola worked together at Barcelona between 2008 and 2012, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.

Do you think Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona this summer?

Let us know in the comments below.

Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Football, Barcelona, Transfers, Lionel Messi

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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