Latest on Lionel Messi- will he agree to this new deal and stay

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LIONEL MESSI is set to be offered a new two-year deal when he sits down for showdown talks with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

But rather than negotiate over a new deal, Messi and his dad will instead demand the club allow him to leave for free, according to reports.

he Barcelona icon, 33, is set to quit his childhood club after nearly 20 years following a major fall out with the hierarchy.

And according to ESPN, his dad Jorge will sit down with Bartomeu on Wednesday.

The president wants to get Messi to sign a new contract for two years, with his current deal expiring next summer.

But even though the Nou Camp side are desperate to do everything in their power to keep their greatest player, it appears the damage is already done.

Messi’s mind is set – he wants to leave.

But the two sides face a legal battle to determine whether or not the Argentine legend is able to leave for free or if Barcelona can still demand the £625million release clause they believe they are entitled to.

Superstar Messi did not report to training yesterday – nor Sunday’s coronavirus testing for the squad – as Ronald Koeman took his first session with his new team without the influential club captain.

He is set to incur “serious penalties” as a result of his actions with talk of a suspension and a £1.1m fine.

However, Messi believes he is no longer an employee of the club although Barca chiefs insist he is still the captain.

Barcelona presidential candidate Toni Freixa reckons the star man will go and says the legend’s wish to leave is “irrevocable”.

Freixa, who is in the running to replace Bartomeu at the end of his term, told Goal:  “As I have heard from several sides, the decision the player has come to is one that has matured over several years and is irrevocable.

“I don’t believe that there is any going back.”

Now if Messi does indeed leave, Manchester City are reportedly ready to offer Messi an incredible £450m over five years.

Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri even suggested that the club would pay him a £225m bonus after three years in England, where he would then join sister club New York City.

source: thesund.com