Messi Facing Fine
Lionel Messi has not been silent about his desire to leave Barcelona FC. His contract lets him leave at any point. However, his release clause has gotten in the way. Now Messi could be facing a £1 million fine for missing the first two days of Barca pre-season.
Messi did not show on Sunday for the coronavirus testing and missed Monday’s training session. This was the first one that Ronald Koeman was coaching. Players like Ousmane Dembele and Gerard Pique were present. However, those on the exit list were not in attendance.
The 33-year-old makes £95 million a year. If he is absent for the third day then he will be without pay for 11 days or could receive a 25% fine from his monthly salary. This would equate to a total of £1.1 million.
Messi could also be facing the £630 million release clause. Even though he may opt-out of his contract at any time, La Liga has the clause in place to protect its assets. Since Messi didn’t announce his departure before June 10, this could be grounds for the fine.
Barca president Josep Bartomeu has been reluctant to fine the star for missing practice. But after everything Messi has done for the club, it’s no wonder.
Messi is linked to a Manchester City move to reunite with Pep Guardiola. Rumors are continuing to spread about them conversating frequently. However, this move would need to be done fast since Premier League is set to start the 2020-21 season on Sept. 12.
However, Guardiola would have the ability to redesign the team to fit in Messi. The other major change would be Messi adjusting to playing in the Premier League.
The bad management at Barca has forced the 20-year relationship with Messi to end. Only time will tell where the star will end up next.
