Lionel Messi could actually stay at Barcelona for one more year before leaving next summer, according to the player's father Jorge Messi.
Last Tuesday, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner sent shockwaves through European football when he faxed a letter to the club requesting that his contract be terminated, allowing him to subsequently leave.
Since then, Jorge Messi has been speaking privately to various clubs including Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter, and Juventus.
However, on Wednesday he flew into Barcelona from Rosario for further talks with the Barcelona board, with both he and his son keen to avoid a bitter parting of way with the club Messi has been with since the age of 13.
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After previously telling reporters on Wednesday that there were no new developments, he has now provided some potentially vital information.
Cuatro, a Spanish television channel, reports that when Messi was asked again on Thursday about whether his son could stay at Barcelona for another season, he simply responded: "Yes".
The main reason for any potential transfer not to happen is Messi's reported €700m release clause, which Barcelona insist has to be triggered for him to leave.
Prior to the end of June, the Argentine had a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for free this summer which has now expired. However, Messi's camp are arguing that the clause is still legitimate due to the season being extended in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
Messi is apparently warming to the idea of staying at Barcelona for another season and joining Man City for free next summer, as it would allow for a more dignified parting of ways between him and the club, and the club's fans.
Lionel Messi 
Barcelona 
Man City 
