First-team stars arrived at the Blaugrana’s Sant Joan Despi training center. At staggered intervals to go through health tests ahead of the new season, amid the lingering threat of coronavirus.
Leo Messi failed health check
Lionel Messi failed to report for his pre-season medical tests at Barcelona on Sunday as he continues to seek a transfer. First-team stars arrived at the Blaugrana’s Sant Joan Despi training center. At staggered intervals to go through health tests ahead of the new season, amid the lingering threat of coronavirus. New head coach Ronald Köman was present and the rest of his coaching staff. With Jordi Alba and Martin Braithwaite being the first players to arrive at the facility. Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal also checked in. Even though both were linked to Camp Nou’s relocations in recent weeks. But Messi deliberately avoided the screening. As reported on Saturday, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner will skip tests to back up the message that he no longer wants to be part of the team.
The Argentine wants to leave friendly
Messi still hopes that a friendly parting of the paths can be arranged and wants to sit down with the board to complete the terms of his exit as soon as possible. The 33-year-old had a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave Barca on a free transfer at the end of each campaign. But that expired in June. However, Messi’s legal team plans to argue that the coronavirus break in the 2019-20 campaign ensured that the clause remained in place until August. The Argentine International sent an official transfer request on Tuesday. So Pep Guardiola was in touch with the playmaker regarding a possible move to Manchester City. Messi’s strained relationship with senior officials at Barça reached a tipping point. After an 8-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Blaugrana talismanic goalscorer still harbors an ambition to add a few more big trophies to his collection before hanging up his boots. Messi no longer feels he can remain competitive at the highest level in his current surroundings. In addition to Manchester City, Messi is associated with several high-profile potential suitors, including Inter, PSG, Juventus, Manchester United. Former PSG midfielder Fabrice Pancrate wants to see Barça superstar make his way with PSG. He predicted that Guardiola and Juve talisman Cristiano Ronaldo could join the Argentine in the French capital next year. Ronaldo will join him in 2021. Guardiola, too,” Fabrice told reporters.