Messi's Barcelona exit plans stalled?

Lionel Messi's impending transfer out of Barcelona is getting murkier by the day. Spanish football association on Sunday confirmed that they would only recognise Messi's exit if his release clause is triggered which is reportedly over $700 million. The 33-year-old had earlier told his club that he wants to leave believing that he has a clause in his contract that would allow him to walk away for free. It looks like Messi has made up his mind to leave the club as he missed the opening day of the pre-season training and even the mandatory Covid-19 test on Sunday. Manchester City emerged as the leaders in the race to sign the Argentinean footballer but with a $700 million exit clause, the race appears to be over even before it started.