MadridSix-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi told Barcelona he wants to leave -- on a free transfer -- in a "bombshell" fax on Tuesday that is expected to spark a legal battle over a buy-out clause worth hundreds of millions of dollars. An FC Barcelona supporter sporting a jersey with the acronym of "Greatest of all Time" and number 10 of Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, looks through the gate of the club's headquarters in Barcelona, on August 25, 2020, following the announcement of Messi's desire to leave the team. A Barcelona-based Brazilian journalist also said Messi wants to play under his former Barcelona coach. Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) challenges Bayern Munich's German midfielder Serge Gnabry during their Uefa Champions League quarter-final match at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on August 14, 2020. Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during their Uefa Champions League round of 16 second leg match against Napoli at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 8, 2020.

Source: Daily Nation August 25, 2020 18:35 UTC