Messi responds to LaLiga, stands firm against Barca

Lionel Messi has finally broken his silence by issuing a statement in response to LaLiga's support of Barcelona's stance that the player's release clause is 700 million euros and that his contract runs until June 30, 2021.

What Messi did not say in the statement was whether he intends to leave Barcelona or whether he has reversed his stance.

"We do not know what contract you have analysed and one what grounds you conclude that there is a recission clause applicable in the case of him deciding to unilaterally end his contract from the end of the 2019/20 season," the statement sent by Messi's father and agent, Jorge, read.

In the next point, Jorge Messi criticised LaLiga president Javier Tebas.

"This is a clear error on your part," it continued.

"As clause 8.2.3.6 of the contract signed between the club and the player explicitly says: 'This indemnity will not apply when the player's decision to unilaterally rescind the contract is effective from the end of the 2019/2020 season.'"

Finally, Messi's camp made reference to his 700 million euro release clause no longer being valid.

"It is obvious that the compensation of 700 million euros provided in the previous clause is not applicable at all," it stated.

Source: Marca English