Lionel Messi has told Barcelona he wants to leave for free this summer AFP/FileThe first indication of how determined Lionel Messi is to leave Barcelona and how ugly this dispute could become will be gauged at the club's training ground on Sunday. If the Argentinian refuses to show up for tests on Sunday, and by extension pre-season training on Monday, it will suggest there is no going back. SEE ALSO: Guardiola pictured in Barcelona as Man City edge closer to sensational Messi transferCajoled by team-mates -- although many of them expect to leave too -- Messi could be persuaded to stay. But Messi has instead asked for a meeting, not to negotiate, but to begin facilitating an amicable and dignified departure. Manchester City remain favourites to sign the 33-year-old, whose basic salary alone amounts to around 60 million euros.

Source: Standard Digital August 30, 2020 19:07 UTC