Former football star Ronaldinho arrived home in Brazil on a private jet on Tuesday, following more than five months in detention in Paraguay over a fake passport scandal.

The former Ballon d'Or winner arrived at Rio de Janeiro's international airport from Paraguay's capital Asuncion just before 4:30 pm (1930 GMT.)

A judge on Monday released Ronaldinho, 40, and his brother, who had both been held for a month in jail and another four months under house arrest in a hotel in Asuncion.

The brothers arrived in Paraguay on March 4 because Ronaldinho was due to take part in an event in support of disadvantaged children.

However, two days later,&nbsp;the pair were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following the discovery they had fake documents.

The former World Cup winner is now "free to travel to whatever country in the world he wants but he must inform us if he changes his permanent residence" for a period of one year, the judge said.

"He has no restrictions except for the fulfilment of reparations for damage to society."

Dressed in jeans, a black beret and black shirt at Monday's court hearing, Ronaldinho accepted the terms of his release, which include payment of $90,000 in damages.

His brother Roberto de Assis Moreira, who is also Ronaldinho's business manager, must pay $110,000.

The judge stressed that he was not issuing a "definitive dismissal" of the case but that Ronaldinho was benefitting from a "conditional suspension of the procedure."

His brother was given a two-year suspended sentence.

<h2>- 'Vilely deceived'? -</h2>

Prosecutors said they did not believe Ronaldinho took part in the plan to manufacture the fake Paraguayan passports but believed de Assis Moreira was aware that the passports were false.

"They flagrantly used a public document containing false content," said Marcelo Pecci, one of the public prosecutors, who said it was a "very serious" offense.

Before Monday's trial the public prosecutor said that Ronaldinho displayed no "personal characteristics or criminal behavior that... would put society at risk."

The defense issued a statement insisting on the innocence of both brothers, saying "the people they trusted deceived them vilely."

After being held in a police station in Asuncion, where Ronaldinho celebrated his 40th birthday on March 21, the two men had been under house arrest in a luxury hotel, on bail of $1.6 million.

The investigation has since expanded into a case of possible money laundering and criminal association.

Some 18 people have been arrested in connection with the case, most of them immigration officials or police officers.

Ronaldinho, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was crucial in Brazil's 2002 World Cup win.

He played for European giants such as Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain during a hugely successful 10-year stint in Europe.

He won the Champions League and two La Liga titles with Barcelona and Serie A with Milan.

After returning home to Brazil he won the Copa Libertadores -- South America's equivalent of the Champions League -- with Atletico Mineiro.

Former football star Ronaldinho arrived home in Brazil on a private jet on Tuesday, following more than five months in detention in Paraguay over a fake passport scandal.

Former football star Ronaldinho arrived home in Brazil on a private jet on Tuesday, following more than five months in detention in Paraguay over a fake passport scandal. The former Ballon d'Or winner arrived at Rio de Janeiro's international airport from Paraguay's capital Asuncion just before 4:30 pm (1930 GMT.) A judge on Monday released Ronaldinho, 40, and his brother, who had both been held for a month in jail and another four months under house arrest in a hotel in Asuncion. The brothers arrived in Paraguay on March 4 because Ronaldinho was due to take part in an event in support of disadvantaged children. However, two days later, the pair were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following the discovery they had fake documents. The former World Cup winner is now "free to travel to whatever country in the world he wants but he must inform us if he changes his permanent residence" for a period of one year, the judge said. "He has no restrictions except for the fulfilment of reparations for damage to society." Dressed in jeans, a black beret and black shirt at Monday's court hearing, Ronaldinho accepted the terms of his release, which include payment of $90,000 in damages. His brother Roberto de Assis Moreira, who is also Ronaldinho's business manager, must pay $110,000. The judge stressed that he was not issuing a "definitive dismissal" of the case but that Ronaldinho was benefitting from a "conditional suspension of the procedure." His brother was given a two-year suspended sentence. - 'Vilely deceived'? - Prosecutors said they did not believe Ronaldinho took part in the plan to manufacture the fake Paraguayan passports but believed de Assis Moreira was aware that the passports were false. "They flagrantly used a public document containing false content," said Marcelo Pecci, one of the public prosecutors, who said it was a "very serious" offense. Before Monday's trial the public prosecutor said that Ronaldinho displayed no "personal characteristics or criminal behavior that... would put society at risk." The defense issued a statement insisting on the innocence of both brothers, saying "the people they trusted deceived them vilely." After being held in a police station in Asuncion, where Ronaldinho celebrated his 40th birthday on March 21, the two men had been under house arrest in a luxury hotel, on bail of $1.6 million. The investigation has since expanded into a case of possible money laundering and criminal association. Some 18 people have been arrested in connection with the case, most of them immigration officials or police officers. Ronaldinho, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was crucial in Brazil's 2002 World Cup win. He played for European giants such as Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain during a hugely successful 10-year stint in Europe. He won the Champions League and two La Liga titles with Barcelona and Serie A with Milan. After returning home to Brazil he won the Copa Libertadores -- South America's equivalent of the Champions League -- with Atletico Mineiro.

Ronaldinho arrives back in Brazil after Paraguay detention

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo on Wednesday became the first bowler to scalp 500 wickets in T20 cricket after he sent Rahkeem Cornwall packing in the match Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 match between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks.&nbsp;

Bravo, who is playing for TKR in CPL 2020, achieved the historic feat when Cornwall smashed the ball straight to Colin Munro at cover in the fourth over of the match. Munro, one of the safest hands, plucked the catch comfortably helping Bravo to reach the landmark.

In the list of bowlers with most T20 wickets, Bravo sits atop comfortably with Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga being second with 390 scalps whereas Sunil Narine has 383 wickets to his name.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pravin-tambe-48-becomes-first-indian-to-make-debut-in-cpl-323258" hreflang="en">Pravin Tambe, 48, becomes first Indian to make debut in CPL</a>

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Great catch from Munro, Jimbo's gone, and on his home ground DJ BRAVO MAKES HISTORY! 
 
500 T20 wickets. 100 Hero CPL wickets. Leading the way for the rest of the world for almost 15 years. Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/DJBravo47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJBravo47</a> on an epic achievement!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLZvTKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLZvTKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/diCUepOmWP">pic.twitter.com/diCUepOmWP</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-have-personalised-training-approach-323206" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach</a>

Bravo has played for plethora of franchises in various T20 tournaments with the likes of Lahore Qalandars (PSL), Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars (BBL), Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (IPL). The master of slower delivery was also a part of the West Indies teams that lifted the ICC T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016.

Bravo, who had called it quits from international cricket, made a comeback to the West Indies side in 2019 after Kieron Pollard took over captaincy with an aim of helping the Windies lift the T20 World Cup in 2020, which has been now postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. He played his first T20 match in 2006 while going on to represent West Indies in 40 Test and 164 ODIs. Besides 500 wickets in the format, Bravo has a staggering 6313 runs to his name at a strike rate of 127.

After CPL 2020, Bravo will be seen in IPL 2020 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19 in the UAE with the final slated to be played on November 10.

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo on Wednesday became the first bowler to scalp 500 wickets in T20 cricket after he sent Rahkeem Cornwall packing in the match Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 match between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks.

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo on Wednesday became the first bowler to scalp 500 wickets in T20 cricket after he sent Rahkeem Cornwall packing in the match Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 match between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks. Bravo, who is playing for TKR in CPL 2020, achieved the historic feat when Cornwall smashed the ball straight to Colin Munro at cover in the fourth over of the match. Munro, one of the safest hands, plucked the catch comfortably helping Bravo to reach the landmark. In the list of bowlers with most T20 wickets, Bravo sits atop comfortably with Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga being second with 390 scalps whereas Sunil Narine has 383 wickets to his name. ALSO READ: Pravin Tambe, 48, becomes first Indian to make debut in CPL Great catch from Munro, Jimbo's gone, and on his home ground DJ BRAVO MAKES HISTORY! 500 T20 wickets. 100 Hero CPL wickets. Leading the way for the rest of the world for almost 15 years. Congratulations @DJBravo47 on an epic achievement!#CPL20 #CricketPlayedLouder #SLZvTKR pic.twitter.com/diCUepOmWP — CPL T20 (@CPL) August 26, 2020 × ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach Bravo has played for plethora of franchises in various T20 tournaments with the likes of Lahore Qalandars (PSL), Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars (BBL), Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (IPL). The master of slower delivery was also a part of the West Indies teams that lifted the ICC T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016. Bravo, who had called it quits from international cricket, made a comeback to the West Indies side in 2019 after Kieron Pollard took over captaincy with an aim of helping the Windies lift the T20 World Cup in 2020, which has been now postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. He played his first T20 match in 2006 while going on to represent West Indies in 40 Test and 164 ODIs. Besides 500 wickets in the format, Bravo has a staggering 6313 runs to his name at a strike rate of 127. After CPL 2020, Bravo will be seen in IPL 2020 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19 in the UAE with the final slated to be played on November 10.

Dwayne Bravo becomes first bowler to scalp 500 T20 wickets

Pravin Tambe on Wednesday scripted history as he became the first Indian to debut in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard, during the toss, confirmed that Tambe will be making his debut for TKR in CPL 2020 against St Lucia Zouks and hence, the veteran leg-spinner became the first Indian to play in the T20 league based in the Caribbean.&nbsp;

Tambe has loads of experience under his belt as he earlier played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while representing Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. He has also played in the T10 League.&nbsp;

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Welcome to the party, India! We're delighted to see Pravin Tambe in Hero CPL for the first time at 48 years young - what a story!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLZvTKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLZvTKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/x2P73Epz2G">pic.twitter.com/x2P73Epz2G</a>
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The 48-year-old put his name in the CPL 2020 draft after being disqualified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to participate in IPL 2020 as he had earlier played in the T10 League, which is against the BCCI guidelines. As per BCCI rules, an Indian player can’t participate in overseas tournaments without retiring and hence, he was forced to pull out his name from IPL 2020 despite getting sold to Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020 auction, which took place in December 2019 in Kolkata, West Bengal. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abu-dhabi-covid-19-cases-reason-behind-ipl-2020-schedule-delay-report-323175" hreflang="en">Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report</a>

After announcing his retirement, Tambe became eligible to participate in CPL and now makes his debut for Trinbago Knight Riders and continues to defy all the odds due to his age.&nbsp;

Talking about his numbers, the leggie has picked up 28 wickets in 33 matches with a good ecomony rate of 7.75 in IPL. He also holds an IPL hat-trick which he uniquely picked up in two deliveries (the third delivery being a wide).&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-have-personalised-training-approach-323206" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach</a>

Tambe would be looking to use his vast experience in CPL 2020 and prove his worth once again after impressing in plethora of tournaments in India and around the world. He can be seen playing for TKR in CPL 2020. 
&nbsp;

Pravin Tambe on Wednesday scripted history as he became the first Indian to debut in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard, during the toss, confirmed that Tambe will be making his debut for TKR in CPL 2020 against St Lucia Zouks and hence, the veteran leg-spinner became the first Indian to play in the T20 league based in the Caribbean.

Pravin Tambe on Wednesday scripted history as he became the first Indian to debut in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard, during the toss, confirmed that Tambe will be making his debut for TKR in CPL 2020 against St Lucia Zouks and hence, the veteran leg-spinner became the first Indian to play in the T20 league based in the Caribbean. Tambe has loads of experience under his belt as he earlier played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while representing Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. He has also played in the T10 League. Welcome to the party, India! We're delighted to see Pravin Tambe in Hero CPL for the first time at 48 years young - what a story!#CPL20 #CricketPlayedLouder #SLZvTKR pic.twitter.com/x2P73Epz2G — CPL T20 (@CPL) August 26, 2020 × The 48-year-old put his name in the CPL 2020 draft after being disqualified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to participate in IPL 2020 as he had earlier played in the T10 League, which is against the BCCI guidelines. As per BCCI rules, an Indian player can’t participate in overseas tournaments without retiring and hence, he was forced to pull out his name from IPL 2020 despite getting sold to Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020 auction, which took place in December 2019 in Kolkata, West Bengal. ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report After announcing his retirement, Tambe became eligible to participate in CPL and now makes his debut for Trinbago Knight Riders and continues to defy all the odds due to his age. Talking about his numbers, the leggie has picked up 28 wickets in 33 matches with a good ecomony rate of 7.75 in IPL. He also holds an IPL hat-trick which he uniquely picked up in two deliveries (the third delivery being a wide). ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach Tambe would be looking to use his vast experience in CPL 2020 and prove his worth once again after impressing in plethora of tournaments in India and around the world. He can be seen playing for TKR in CPL 2020.

Pravin Tambe, 48, becomes first Indian to make debut in CPL

If Lionel Messi's mind is made up to leave Barcelona, the question turns to where he goes next.&nbsp; His priority has always been to be part of a "winning project" at Camp Nou but his latest season was not only devoid of trophies, it was defined by chaos and ended in humiliation.&nbsp;

Messi has not asked for a transfer to put his feet up for the final years of his career. This is a considered move aimed at bolstering his successes, and in one competition in particular.&nbsp;

The Champions League has become his obsession, which puts all of Europe's super-clubs in contention and eliminates the less intensive, or more romantic, options, at least for now.&nbsp;

A fairytale return to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, a project-build Stateside in the MLS or even a challenge at an aspiring European team in the mould of Diego Maradona's time at Napoli, will all become more likely once Messi is out of Barcelona.&nbsp;

But that is not likely to be his next step. Instead, Messi wants titles and a club he believes in again.&nbsp;

There will be no shortage of clubs pining for arguably the greatest player of all time but once they have done the sums, particularly in the heat of the coronavirus crisis, only a few will be able to make the numbers work.&nbsp;

On the back of their Champions League triumph, Bayern Munich are the pre-eminent force in Europe but they are unlikely to be able to afford Messi, aged 33, and with a base salary of around 60 million euros per year.&nbsp;

The same goes for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, as well as Juventus, who remain restricted by the enormous outlay needed to sign Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago.&nbsp;

Perhaps Ronaldo's transfer, which is yet to deliver Juve the European success they hoped it would, might even make some of Messi's potential suitors nervous.&nbsp;

Madrid, meanwhile, would love nothing more than to prize Messi from their rivals - and they have tried before - but even if Messi wants to leave Barca, he is not out to burn his reputation and legacy.

<h2>- Wealthiest left standing -</h2>

Only the wealthiest are left standing but would the history of Manchester United or the upward momentum of Frank Lampard's Chelsea be enough to persuade Messi?&nbsp;

In recent seasons, neither has lasted in the Premier League's title race, let alone been serious contenders in the Champions League.&nbsp;

Those able both to afford Messi, and convince him, may only be Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, with Inter Milan a third option.&nbsp;

City would appear favourites but the club have always trodden carefully around the prospect of Messi. Their sporting staff, including coach Pep Guardiola, sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano, all have connections with Barcelona they are keen to respect.&nbsp;

If City could be seen to be offering a safe haven for Messi's desire to go, rather than snatching him away, it would surely be an opportunity they could not pass up.

Messi could propel them in the Champions League and launch the City brand, so important to the club's Abu Dhabi owners, to a different level.

For PSG, whose frustration in Europe has been comparable to City's, even if they broke new ground by reaching last weekend's final, Messi would also represent a seismic addition to the Qatari project.

A Neymar-Messi-Kylian Mbappe front three would not be a difficult sell.

Inter's pitch would be more personal, given Messi's father Jorge has reportedly bought a house close to the club's offices while the Italian outfit have fostered close relations with the Messi family for years.

With Antonio Conte as coach and ambitious Chinese owners, Messi might be drawn to Inter, where the tax regulations would be less punitive and the disapproval less pronounced, given the club's history and tradition.

None of the options are without risk. Of the leading trio, only Inter have ever won the Champions League but even that was in 2010.

Success is not guaranteed for club or player, with Messi enduring an injury-interrupted season himself last term.

Staying at Barcelona remains a possibility, particularly if under-pressure president Josep Maria Bartomeu decides to resign.

But despite calls from fans and rival candidates, there is no suggestion yet that Bartomeu is considering his position.

Bartomeu's new sporting director Ramon Planes said on Wednesday the club "would have to fight" to ensure the relationship between Barcelona and Messi continues. It may be too late.

If Lionel Messi's mind is made up to leave Barcelona, the question turns to where he goes next. His priority has always been to be part of a "winning project" at Camp Nou but his latest season was not only devoid of trophies, it was defined by chaos and ended in humiliation.

If Lionel Messi's mind is made up to leave Barcelona, the question turns to where he goes next. His priority has always been to be part of a "winning project" at Camp Nou but his latest season was not only devoid of trophies, it was defined by chaos and ended in humiliation. Messi has not asked for a transfer to put his feet up for the final years of his career. This is a considered move aimed at bolstering his successes, and in one competition in particular. The Champions League has become his obsession, which puts all of Europe's super-clubs in contention and eliminates the less intensive, or more romantic, options, at least for now. A fairytale return to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, a project-build Stateside in the MLS or even a challenge at an aspiring European team in the mould of Diego Maradona's time at Napoli, will all become more likely once Messi is out of Barcelona. But that is not likely to be his next step. Instead, Messi wants titles and a club he believes in again. There will be no shortage of clubs pining for arguably the greatest player of all time but once they have done the sums, particularly in the heat of the coronavirus crisis, only a few will be able to make the numbers work. On the back of their Champions League triumph, Bayern Munich are the pre-eminent force in Europe but they are unlikely to be able to afford Messi, aged 33, and with a base salary of around 60 million euros per year. The same goes for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, as well as Juventus, who remain restricted by the enormous outlay needed to sign Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago. Perhaps Ronaldo's transfer, which is yet to deliver Juve the European success they hoped it would, might even make some of Messi's potential suitors nervous. Madrid, meanwhile, would love nothing more than to prize Messi from their rivals - and they have tried before - but even if Messi wants to leave Barca, he is not out to burn his reputation and legacy. - Wealthiest left standing - Only the wealthiest are left standing but would the history of Manchester United or the upward momentum of Frank Lampard's Chelsea be enough to persuade Messi? In recent seasons, neither has lasted in the Premier League's title race, let alone been serious contenders in the Champions League. Those able both to afford Messi, and convince him, may only be Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, with Inter Milan a third option. City would appear favourites but the club have always trodden carefully around the prospect of Messi. Their sporting staff, including coach Pep Guardiola, sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano, all have connections with Barcelona they are keen to respect. If City could be seen to be offering a safe haven for Messi's desire to go, rather than snatching him away, it would surely be an opportunity they could not pass up. Messi could propel them in the Champions League and launch the City brand, so important to the club's Abu Dhabi owners, to a different level. For PSG, whose frustration in Europe has been comparable to City's, even if they broke new ground by reaching last weekend's final, Messi would also represent a seismic addition to the Qatari project. A Neymar-Messi-Kylian Mbappe front three would not be a difficult sell. Inter's pitch would be more personal, given Messi's father Jorge has reportedly bought a house close to the club's offices while the Italian outfit have fostered close relations with the Messi family for years. With Antonio Conte as coach and ambitious Chinese owners, Messi might be drawn to Inter, where the tax regulations would be less punitive and the disapproval less pronounced, given the club's history and tradition. None of the options are without risk. Of the leading trio, only Inter have ever won the Champions League but even that was in 2010. Success is not guaranteed for club or player, with Messi enduring an injury-interrupted season himself last term. Staying at Barcelona remains a possibility, particularly if under-pressure president Josep Maria Bartomeu decides to resign. But despite calls from fans and rival candidates, there is no suggestion yet that Bartomeu is considering his position. Bartomeu's new sporting director Ramon Planes said on Wednesday the club "would have to fight" to ensure the relationship between Barcelona and Messi continues. It may be too late.

Messi on the market but only Europe's richest and most ambitious need apply

Lionel Messi on Tuesday dropped a bombshell after officially asking Barcelona to allow him to leave after spending more than two decades at the Catalan club. Messi, who has been upset over Barca board, has made up his mind that his glorious chapter with the club has come to an end.&nbsp;

While Barcelona on Wednesday made it clear that they want to keep the ‘best player in the world’ and start a fresh sporting chapter, Messi seems to be final in his decision to leave the club. Barcelona’s technical director Ramon Planes, after unveiling new signing Trincao on Wednesday, said that the club do not contemplate any sort of exit for Messi as they want him to stay while adding he is convinced that Barcelona’s future will be full of positivity.&nbsp;

TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-next-for-lionel-messi-a-record-breaking-career-in-pictures-323230" hreflang="en">What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures</a>

"We do not contemplate any kind of exiting by Leo at the contractual level, because what we want is for him to stay here. I think that Leo knows he has enormous respect because we are talking about the best player in the world, the best player in history. And I'm absolutely convinced the upcoming future will be positive. We have to be optimistic and talk about the future, about young players, very talented players and players with a lot of experience like Leo who are in the team and have won great things. Together we have to build the Barça we all want,” Planes told the media.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adios-lionel-messi-323161">Adios, Lionel Messi?</a>

However, reports suggest that Messi has already spoken to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola while showing his interest in working with him again. Other reports suggest that Man City are preparing a contract for Messi which will bring him to the Etihad Stadium.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/stay-or-go-messi-in-legal-tangle-with-barcelona-over-leaving-club-323132" hreflang="en">Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club</a>

The likes of Guardiola, Txiki Begiristain, Ferran Soriano and other staff members know Messi in and out as they have worked together in Barcelona earlier. And that relationship could lure Messi away from the Spanish giants. Sergio Aguero, Man City record goal-scorer, is Messi’s best friend and have shared the Argentina jersey over the years.&nbsp;

But the question remains, will Messi leave Barcelona? If he does, then all road lead to Manchester. 
&nbsp;

Lionel Messi on Tuesday dropped a bombshell after officially asking Barcelona to allow him to leave after spending more than two decades at the Catalan club. Messi, who has been upset over Barca board, has made up his mind that his glorious chapter with the club has come to an end.

Lionel Messi on Tuesday dropped a bombshell after officially asking Barcelona to allow him to leave after spending more than two decades at the Catalan club. Messi, who has been upset over Barca board, has made up his mind that his glorious chapter with the club has come to an end. While Barcelona on Wednesday made it clear that they want to keep the ‘best player in the world’ and start a fresh sporting chapter, Messi seems to be final in his decision to leave the club. Barcelona’s technical director Ramon Planes, after unveiling new signing Trincao on Wednesday, said that the club do not contemplate any sort of exit for Messi as they want him to stay while adding he is convinced that Barcelona’s future will be full of positivity. TRENDING | What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures "We do not contemplate any kind of exiting by Leo at the contractual level, because what we want is for him to stay here. I think that Leo knows he has enormous respect because we are talking about the best player in the world, the best player in history. And I'm absolutely convinced the upcoming future will be positive. We have to be optimistic and talk about the future, about young players, very talented players and players with a lot of experience like Leo who are in the team and have won great things. Together we have to build the Barça we all want,” Planes told the media. ALSO READ: Adios, Lionel Messi? However, reports suggest that Messi has already spoken to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola while showing his interest in working with him again. Other reports suggest that Man City are preparing a contract for Messi which will bring him to the Etihad Stadium. IN PICS | Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club The likes of Guardiola, Txiki Begiristain, Ferran Soriano and other staff members know Messi in and out as they have worked together in Barcelona earlier. And that relationship could lure Messi away from the Spanish giants. Sergio Aguero, Man City record goal-scorer, is Messi’s best friend and have shared the Argentina jersey over the years. But the question remains, will Messi leave Barcelona? If he does, then all road lead to Manchester.

Barcelona want Lionel Messi to stay but for the Argentine all roads lead to Manchester

What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will introduce personalized training approach to prepare for IPL 2020, which is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

As the RCB squad gears up to start training for IPL 2020, franchise’s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson reckons that single training session for all the players won’t be a viable options given the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, strict protocols and what each player has experienced over the last few months.

RCB, who are based in Dubai for IPL 2020, will begin their three-week training camp at the ICC Cricket Academy and will take up training and practice to gather the lost rhythm and demands of playing in the extreme heat in the UAE.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-crawley-anderson-soar-up-after-memorable-performances-323188" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: Crawley, Anderson soar up after memorable performances</a>

Talking about the challenges for the season, Mike Hesson – Director of Cricket Operations, RCB said, “Players have spent the last few months in a variety of environments and are therefore in different stages of fitness and training, and hence a singular training approach is not the best route to start getting ready for the season. Our Support Staff team will continue working in a way that is flexible and offers personalised support. We have a highly skilled Support Staff team to nurture the players mentally, physically and emotionally to assist each players preparation so they are ready to play their best cricket.”

<img alt="Mike Hesson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c736c150-3a73-4779-9c6d-9acadf687d07" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mike%20Hesson%20%E2%80%93%20Director%20of%20Cricket%20Operations%2C%20RCB%20.JPG" />

Whereas RCB Head Coach Simon Katich said that they have planned several split-group sessions in a bid to give batsmen time to get back into flow after a long layoff while adding once everyone gets their rhythm back, collective sessions and practice matches can be conducted.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a>

Simon Katich, Head Coach, Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “Given the unique circumstances, Covid- 19 has presented to everyone worldwide we are just extremely grateful to be in a position that we can get back to putting on a show for IPL in the UAE. Our preparations have revolved around giving the players at least 3 weeks to get back into the routine of training their skills and getting their bodies ready for the competition so they can build up gradually and try to minimise any injuries. We have several split- group sessions planned initially to help give the batsmen plenty of time getting volume in after such a long layoff. It also ties into helping mitigate any risks with Covid by not having the full squad training all at once either. Once everyone has got their touch and rhythm back with bat and ball, we will move into more competitive training before the scheduled practice matches and the start of the tournament.”&nbsp;

IPL 2020 starts from September 19 in the UAE with the final scheduled to be played in November 10.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will introduce personalized training approach to prepare for IPL 2020, which is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. As the RCB squad gears up to start training for IPL 2020, franchise’s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson reckons that single training session for all the players won’t be a viable options given the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, strict protocols and what each player has experienced over the last few months. RCB, who are based in Dubai for IPL 2020, will begin their three-week training camp at the ICC Cricket Academy and will take up training and practice to gather the lost rhythm and demands of playing in the extreme heat in the UAE. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: Crawley, Anderson soar up after memorable performances Talking about the challenges for the season, Mike Hesson – Director of Cricket Operations, RCB said, “Players have spent the last few months in a variety of environments and are therefore in different stages of fitness and training, and hence a singular training approach is not the best route to start getting ready for the season. Our Support Staff team will continue working in a way that is flexible and offers personalised support. We have a highly skilled Support Staff team to nurture the players mentally, physically and emotionally to assist each players preparation so they are ready to play their best cricket.” Whereas RCB Head Coach Simon Katich said that they have planned several split-group sessions in a bid to give batsmen time to get back into flow after a long layoff while adding once everyone gets their rhythm back, collective sessions and practice matches can be conducted. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series Simon Katich, Head Coach, Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “Given the unique circumstances, Covid- 19 has presented to everyone worldwide we are just extremely grateful to be in a position that we can get back to putting on a show for IPL in the UAE. Our preparations have revolved around giving the players at least 3 weeks to get back into the routine of training their skills and getting their bodies ready for the competition so they can build up gradually and try to minimise any injuries. We have several split- group sessions planned initially to help give the batsmen plenty of time getting volume in after such a long layoff. It also ties into helping mitigate any risks with Covid by not having the full squad training all at once either. Once everyone has got their touch and rhythm back with bat and ball, we will move into more competitive training before the scheduled practice matches and the start of the tournament.” IPL 2020 starts from September 19 in the UAE with the final scheduled to be played in November 10.

IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach

England batsman Zak Crawley’s massive 267 and fast bowler James Anderson’s match haul of seven wickets see the duo shoot up in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after the drawn final Test against Pakistan in Southampton.

Crawley has ascended 53 spots to reach a career-best 28th position after recording the 10th highest individual score for England and their second highest maiden Test century. He had started the series in 95th position but his 320-run aggregate has made him the fourth best ranked England batsman after only eight Tests, behind Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Jos Buttler.

Anderson has moved back to the top-10 after briefly dropping out of it since the preceding home series against the West Indies. The formerly top-ranked bowler has gained six spots to reach eighth position after a Test that saw him grab his 29th five-wicket haul in the first innings and become the first fast bowler to 600 wickets with Azhar Ali’s scalp in the second innings.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abu-dhabi-covid-19-cases-reason-behind-ipl-2020-schedule-delay-report-323175" hreflang="en">Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report</a>

Latest ICC Test Ranking of bowlers: 1. Pat Cummins - 904. 2. Stuart Broad - 845. 3. Neil Wagner - 843. 4. Tim Southee - 812. 5. Jason Holder - 810. 6. Kagiso Rabada - 802. 7. Mitchell Starc - 797. 8. James Anderson - 781.

Buttler is another England player to make notable progress in the latest rankings update after scoring a fine 152 in his side’s only innings of the Test. He has reached a career-best 637 rating points and 21st position, three off his best of 18th achieved in November 2018.

All-rounder Ben Stokes has ceded the top spot for all-rounders to Jason Holder after missing two Test matches, dropping one point behind the West Indies captain. For each Test missed, players lose one per cent each of their batting and bowling points with a cumulative effect of about two per cent on a player’s all-round rating.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-v-pakistan-three-things-we-learned-323147" hreflang="en">England v Pakistan: Three things we learned</a>

For Pakistan, captain Azhar’s return to form with a solid 141 in the first innings has seen him gain 11 places and reach 23rd position, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has gained three slots to reach 72nd position after a fighting half-century in the first innings.

Part-time spinners Fawad Alam and Asad Shafiq are in the top 100 for bowlers. Fawad has gained 22 slots to reach 94th position while Asad has moved up nine places to 100th place.

England batsman Zak Crawley’s massive 267 and fast bowler James Anderson’s match haul of seven wickets see the duo shoot up in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after the drawn final Test against Pakistan in Southampton.

England batsman Zak Crawley’s massive 267 and fast bowler James Anderson’s match haul of seven wickets see the duo shoot up in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after the drawn final Test against Pakistan in Southampton. Crawley has ascended 53 spots to reach a career-best 28th position after recording the 10th highest individual score for England and their second highest maiden Test century. He had started the series in 95th position but his 320-run aggregate has made him the fourth best ranked England batsman after only eight Tests, behind Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Jos Buttler. Anderson has moved back to the top-10 after briefly dropping out of it since the preceding home series against the West Indies. The formerly top-ranked bowler has gained six spots to reach eighth position after a Test that saw him grab his 29th five-wicket haul in the first innings and become the first fast bowler to 600 wickets with Azhar Ali’s scalp in the second innings. ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report Latest ICC Test Ranking of bowlers: 1. Pat Cummins - 904. 2. Stuart Broad - 845. 3. Neil Wagner - 843. 4. Tim Southee - 812. 5. Jason Holder - 810. 6. Kagiso Rabada - 802. 7. Mitchell Starc - 797. 8. James Anderson - 781. Buttler is another England player to make notable progress in the latest rankings update after scoring a fine 152 in his side’s only innings of the Test. He has reached a career-best 637 rating points and 21st position, three off his best of 18th achieved in November 2018. All-rounder Ben Stokes has ceded the top spot for all-rounders to Jason Holder after missing two Test matches, dropping one point behind the West Indies captain. For each Test missed, players lose one per cent each of their batting and bowling points with a cumulative effect of about two per cent on a player’s all-round rating. ALSO READ: England v Pakistan: Three things we learned For Pakistan, captain Azhar’s return to form with a solid 141 in the first innings has seen him gain 11 places and reach 23rd position, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has gained three slots to reach 72nd position after a fighting half-century in the first innings. Part-time spinners Fawad Alam and Asad Shafiq are in the top 100 for bowlers. Fawad has gained 22 slots to reach 94th position while Asad has moved up nine places to 100th place.

ICC Test Rankings: Crawley, Anderson soar up after memorable performances

While all the franchises of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19. While IPL Governing Council Chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-will-ipl-2020-schedule-release-brijesh-patel-spills-the-beans-322827">Brijesh Patel had earlier said that the schedule for IPL 2020 will be released by the end of the week</a>, it looks like fans may have to wait a bit longer to get a hang of the fixture list.

According to a report in The Hindu, due to spike in COVID-19 cases in the UAE, there is confusion over the availability of Abu Dhabi and hence, there is a delay in IPL 2020 schedule. Abu Dhabi’s regional authorities have made rapid test mandatory at entry point which will see the broadcast crew and other officials shell out an additional AED 50.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-lookback-list-of-winners-from-2008-to-2019-283765" hreflang="en">IPL Lookback: List of winners from 2008 to 2019!</a>

A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) team is in the UAE to make some final checks before locking onto the schedule and the Indian board is looking to find an immediate solution so that everyone is on the same page before the schedule is released. Reportedly, there are even talks of excluding Abu Dhabi as a venue and the latest development suggests the board may restrict the number of matches there.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-chris-gayle-tests-negative-for-covid-19-after-attending-usain-bolts-birthday-bash-322951" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash</a>

“It could be a case of two teams playing home and away games back to back, similar to 2011 ,” said an IPL insider. “As of now, Abu Dhabi could host a few matches only in the first half.”

Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are based in Abu Dhabi.

Earlier this week, BCCI’s Jay Shah wrote to state units that they won’t be able to attend “at least the beginning” of IPL 2020 due to strict bio-bubble protocols in place. However, the board is confident that during the business end of the tournament, members are likely to travel to the UAE if the travel restrictions are lifted.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/due-to-bio-bubble-restrictions-unable-to-invite-you-for-start-of-ipl-jay-shah-to-state-units-323025" hreflang="en">Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units</a>

"While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI. 
&nbsp;

While all the franchises of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19.

While all the franchises of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19. While IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel had earlier said that the schedule for IPL 2020 will be released by the end of the week, it looks like fans may have to wait a bit longer to get a hang of the fixture list. According to a report in The Hindu, due to spike in COVID-19 cases in the UAE, there is confusion over the availability of Abu Dhabi and hence, there is a delay in IPL 2020 schedule. Abu Dhabi’s regional authorities have made rapid test mandatory at entry point which will see the broadcast crew and other officials shell out an additional AED 50. IN PICS | IPL Lookback: List of winners from 2008 to 2019! A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) team is in the UAE to make some final checks before locking onto the schedule and the Indian board is looking to find an immediate solution so that everyone is on the same page before the schedule is released. Reportedly, there are even talks of excluding Abu Dhabi as a venue and the latest development suggests the board may restrict the number of matches there. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash “It could be a case of two teams playing home and away games back to back, similar to 2011 ,” said an IPL insider. “As of now, Abu Dhabi could host a few matches only in the first half.” Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are based in Abu Dhabi. Earlier this week, BCCI’s Jay Shah wrote to state units that they won’t be able to attend “at least the beginning” of IPL 2020 due to strict bio-bubble protocols in place. However, the board is confident that during the business end of the tournament, members are likely to travel to the UAE if the travel restrictions are lifted. ALSO READ: Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units "While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI.

Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report

Will Lionel Messi really leave Barcelona? Is it even possible? Well, Messi leaving Barca never looked as close. The year 2020 has brought many surprises and shocks, and Messi departing from the Nou Camp could very well be the final nail in the coffin in the beautiful love story between the Argentine maestro and the Catalan club.&nbsp;

Fed up with board politics and how the club has been performing on the pitch, Messi on Tuesday handed in a transfer request to Barcelona board requesting them to release him of his duties. Interestingly, Messi has a EUR 700 million release clause but another crucial clause in his contract states he can leave the club for free after the end of every season. With COVID-19 pandemic and the financial hardship clubs had to face, it is near to impossible that any club with shell out EUR 700 million but will Messi leave the Spanish giants for free?&nbsp;

<img alt="Messi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbbfad67-1eb5-4102-b2d5-344645e5f064" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1WI6MU.jpg" />

Apparently, Messi’s clause which allows him to leave for free ended on May 31, 2020&nbsp;but the entourage of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner argues that the season was extended due to the shutdown and restart and hence, the clause remains active. What’s next? A legal battle may follow if Messi pushes his exit.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/stay-or-go-messi-in-legal-tangle-with-barcelona-over-leaving-club-323132" hreflang="en">Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club</a>

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🎥 Dozens of fans in front of the club's offices showing their disagreements with the board with several shouts. <a href="https://twitter.com/esport3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@esport3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCB</a> 
 
<a href="https://t.co/t0tQBKNHut">pic.twitter.com/t0tQBKNHut</a>
— Hagrid ✆ (@HagridFCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/HagridFCB/status/1298374886633725956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Messi on Tuesday sent a fax to Barcelona asking them to allow him to leave the club. Tweets from Catalan President Quim Torra i Pla, club legend Carles Puyol confirmed that if Messi were to leave Barca then it is now or never. Fans started to gather outside Barcelona offices, chanting 'Bartomeu out' and that sums up the seriousness of the entire matter.

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Respeto y admiración, Leo. Todo mi apoyo, amigo.
— Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) <a href="https://twitter.com/Carles5puyol/status/1298315936592797697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Barcelona have not been the same on the football pitch since the departure of Pep Guardiola. While Tito Vilanova tried to continue Guardiola’s legacy, his untimely demise due to cancer left everyone in shock. Gerardo Martino, Luis Enrique, Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien came and went.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-hands-in-his-transfer-request-to-barcelona-323113">Lionel Messi hands in his transfer request to Barcelona</a>

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Catalunya serà sempre casa teva. Moltes gràcies per tots aquest temps de felicitat i d’un futbol extraordinari. Hem tingut la sort de compartir uns anys de les nostres vides amb el millor jugador del món. I un noble esportista No t’oblidarem mai. Leo Messi, Creu de Sant Jordi. <a href="https://t.co/Ojev577MoE">pic.twitter.com/Ojev577MoE</a>
— Quim Torra i Pla (@QuimTorraiPla) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuimTorraiPla/status/1298327109459378179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While many will argue Barcelona won good number of trophies under Enrique but it was largely due to the epic troika of Neymar-Suarez-Messi. Players were unhappy with how the team performed in the UEFA Champions League and managers were continued to be sacked. The defeats against AS Roma, Liverpool didn’t help their case and the humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich felt like the house of cards could just crumble and it did.&nbsp;

<img alt="Lionel Messi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ffe10511-7210-453a-afae-e4cf21ffb3da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_13W71S.jpg" />

Ronald Koeman, a Barcelona legend, was appointed as the manager but the way he is approaching the senior players to discuss about their roles in the club has played a role in the fallout. Koeman, apparently, told Suarez that he is not needed in the club over a phone call. Sergio Busquets was told he would not have a key role in the club next season. Messi was reportedly told by Koeman that ‘privileges’ are over. Something which may have irked the Argentine megastar.&nbsp;

Bartomeu’s presence as club president hasn’t had a long-lasting impact – on the squad and financially. The club is in debt, the big buys of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele haven’t worked out. Neymar has left the club and was never bought back despite heavy interest from both sides. Messi felt enough is enough.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-lionel-messi-leave-barcelona-man-city-crunching-numbers-for-argentine-maestro-322969" hreflang="en">Will Lionel Messi leave Barcelona? Man City 'crunching numbers' for Argentine maestro</a>

Messi wants a winning project where he can continue to win trophies and satisfy the hunger he has developed over the years. And this time, Messi is serious about leaving the club. He doesn’t trust the board. He doesn’t see them competent enough to turn the situation around. He sees them unable to assemble a good squad. Everything seems to point that Messi is leaving Barcelona.&nbsp;

Only few clubs can afford to have Messi on their wage-sheet. Barcelona pay him around £60 million annually. Even if Messi leaves for free, his wage could be an issue for clubs interested in acquiring his services. Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City are the only two clubs capable of paying that amount of money.

Man City have an advantage as they have Pep Guardiola as managers while Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, club director and CEO respectively of Man City,&nbsp;have also worked with Messi during their time at Barcelona. The Catalan club likes two players in Eric Garcia and Gabriel Jesus and if Messi is to join Barcelona then these two players can leave Etihad Stadium for Nou Camp. Reportedly, Messi has even had a phone call with Guardiola and Sergio Aguero, his best-friend since early footballing days.&nbsp;

<img alt="Messi and Guardiola" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f71f49ce-4d9c-41f7-b78d-f12b0baea07f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Par7039479.jpg" />

Barcelona board’s presidential elections are also around the corner and the candidates battling for the top chair have call for immediate resignation by Bartomeu. Jordi Farre, another presidential candidate, on Wednesday, filed a vote of no confidence against Bartomeu with a view that his resignation could just force Messi to change his decision. But will he?

While Cristiano Ronaldo have found success despite changing clubs, Messi may be thinking it is time to take up a new challenge and freshen up things. But the question remains, will the year 2020 bring the biggest transfer news of all time?

LIONEL MESSI in numbers:

International Honours

2005: U-20 world champion

2008: Olympic gold

Club honours

Champions League: (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015)

La Liga titles: (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)

Copa del Rey: 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)

European Super Cup: (2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2015-2016)

Spanish Super Cup: (2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2016-2017, 2018-2019)

World Club: (2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2015-2016)

Individual honours

Ballons d'Or: (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019)

UEFA's best European player of the season: (2011, 2015)

World Cup Golden Ball best player award: 2014

Best Copa America player: 2015

Top Champions League scorer: (2008-2009: 9 goals; 2009-2010: 8; 2010-2011: 12; 2011-2012: 14; 2014-2015: 10, 2018-2019: 12)

Top La Liga scorer: (2009-2010: 34 goals, 2011-2012: 50, 2012-2013: 46, 2016-2017: 37, 2017-2018: 34, 2018-2019: 36, 2019-20: 25)

Best player at an Olympics: 2008

Best player at U-20 World Cup: 2005

Records

Number of Ballon d'Or: 6

Number of goals scored in La Liga: 444

Record number of goals scored in one season in a major league: 50 (2011-2012)

All time top scorer for Argentina: 70 (2006-19)

Number of goals scored in a calendar year in all-competitions: 91 (2012)&nbsp;

Number of goals scored in a season in all competitions: 73 (2011-2012)

Will Lionel Messi really leave Barcelona? Is it even possible? Well, Messi leaving Barca never looked as close. The year 2020 has brought many surprises and shocks, and Messi departing from the Nou Camp could very well be the final nail in the coffin in the beautiful love story between the Argentine maestro and the Catalan club.

Will Lionel Messi really leave Barcelona? Is it even possible? Well, Messi leaving Barca never looked as close. The year 2020 has brought many surprises and shocks, and Messi departing from the Nou Camp could very well be the final nail in the coffin in the beautiful love story between the Argentine maestro and the Catalan club. Fed up with board politics and how the club has been performing on the pitch, Messi on Tuesday handed in a transfer request to Barcelona board requesting them to release him of his duties. Interestingly, Messi has a EUR 700 million release clause but another crucial clause in his contract states he can leave the club for free after the end of every season. With COVID-19 pandemic and the financial hardship clubs had to face, it is near to impossible that any club with shell out EUR 700 million but will Messi leave the Spanish giants for free? Apparently, Messi’s clause which allows him to leave for free ended on May 31, 2020 but the entourage of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner argues that the season was extended due to the shutdown and restart and hence, the clause remains active. What’s next? A legal battle may follow if Messi pushes his exit. IN PICS | Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club 🎥 Dozens of fans in front of the club's offices showing their disagreements with the board with several shouts. @esport3 #FCB pic.twitter.com/t0tQBKNHut — Hagrid ✆ (@HagridFCB) August 25, 2020 × Messi on Tuesday sent a fax to Barcelona asking them to allow him to leave the club. Tweets from Catalan President Quim Torra i Pla, club legend Carles Puyol confirmed that if Messi were to leave Barca then it is now or never. Fans started to gather outside Barcelona offices, chanting 'Bartomeu out' and that sums up the seriousness of the entire matter. Respeto y admiración, Leo. Todo mi apoyo, amigo. — Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) August 25, 2020 × Barcelona have not been the same on the football pitch since the departure of Pep Guardiola. While Tito Vilanova tried to continue Guardiola’s legacy, his untimely demise due to cancer left everyone in shock. Gerardo Martino, Luis Enrique, Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien came and went. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi hands in his transfer request to Barcelona Catalunya serà sempre casa teva. Moltes gràcies per tots aquest temps de felicitat i d’un futbol extraordinari. Hem tingut la sort de compartir uns anys de les nostres vides amb el millor jugador del món. I un noble esportista No t’oblidarem mai. Leo Messi, Creu de Sant Jordi. pic.twitter.com/Ojev577MoE — Quim Torra i Pla (@QuimTorraiPla) August 25, 2020 × While many will argue Barcelona won good number of trophies under Enrique but it was largely due to the epic troika of Neymar-Suarez-Messi. Players were unhappy with how the team performed in the UEFA Champions League and managers were continued to be sacked. The defeats against AS Roma, Liverpool didn’t help their case and the humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich felt like the house of cards could just crumble and it did. Ronald Koeman, a Barcelona legend, was appointed as the manager but the way he is approaching the senior players to discuss about their roles in the club has played a role in the fallout. Koeman, apparently, told Suarez that he is not needed in the club over a phone call. Sergio Busquets was told he would not have a key role in the club next season. Messi was reportedly told by Koeman that ‘privileges’ are over. Something which may have irked the Argentine megastar. Bartomeu’s presence as club president hasn’t had a long-lasting impact – on the squad and financially. The club is in debt, the big buys of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele haven’t worked out. Neymar has left the club and was never bought back despite heavy interest from both sides. Messi felt enough is enough. ALSO READ: Will Lionel Messi leave Barcelona? Man City 'crunching numbers' for Argentine maestro Messi wants a winning project where he can continue to win trophies and satisfy the hunger he has developed over the years. And this time, Messi is serious about leaving the club. He doesn’t trust the board. He doesn’t see them competent enough to turn the situation around. He sees them unable to assemble a good squad. Everything seems to point that Messi is leaving Barcelona. Only few clubs can afford to have Messi on their wage-sheet. Barcelona pay him around £60 million annually. Even if Messi leaves for free, his wage could be an issue for clubs interested in acquiring his services. Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City are the only two clubs capable of paying that amount of money. Man City have an advantage as they have Pep Guardiola as managers while Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, club director and CEO respectively of Man City, have also worked with Messi during their time at Barcelona. The Catalan club likes two players in Eric Garcia and Gabriel Jesus and if Messi is to join Barcelona then these two players can leave Etihad Stadium for Nou Camp. Reportedly, Messi has even had a phone call with Guardiola and Sergio Aguero, his best-friend since early footballing days. Barcelona board’s presidential elections are also around the corner and the candidates battling for the top chair have call for immediate resignation by Bartomeu. Jordi Farre, another presidential candidate, on Wednesday, filed a vote of no confidence against Bartomeu with a view that his resignation could just force Messi to change his decision. But will he? While Cristiano Ronaldo have found success despite changing clubs, Messi may be thinking it is time to take up a new challenge and freshen up things. But the question remains, will the year 2020 bring the biggest transfer news of all time? LIONEL MESSI in numbers: International Honours 2005: U-20 world champion 2008: Olympic gold Club honours Champions League: (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015) La Liga titles: (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019) Copa del Rey: 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) European Super Cup: (2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2015-2016) Spanish Super Cup: (2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2016-2017, 2018-2019) World Club: (2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2015-2016) Individual honours Ballons d'Or: (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019) UEFA's best European player of the season: (2011, 2015) World Cup Golden Ball best player award: 2014 Best Copa America player: 2015 Top Champions League scorer: (2008-2009: 9 goals; 2009-2010: 8; 2010-2011: 12; 2011-2012: 14; 2014-2015: 10, 2018-2019: 12) Top La Liga scorer: (2009-2010: 34 goals, 2011-2012: 50, 2012-2013: 46, 2016-2017: 37, 2017-2018: 34, 2018-2019: 36, 2019-20: 25) Best player at an Olympics: 2008 Best player at U-20 World Cup: 2005 Records Number of Ballon d'Or: 6 Number of goals scored in La Liga: 444 Record number of goals scored in one season in a major league: 50 (2011-2012) All time top scorer for Argentina: 70 (2006-19) Number of goals scored in a calendar year in all-competitions: 91 (2012) Number of goals scored in a season in all competitions: 73 (2011-2012)

Adios, Lionel Messi?

Manchester City left back Oleksandr Zinchenko set aside some time on his wedding day to clarify comments he and his new bride Vlada Sedan made about manager Pep Guardiola in the wake of the club’s Champions League defeat by Olympique Lyon.

Television reporter Sedan delivered a scathing assessment of Guardiola’s tactics and posted an interview with Zinchenko to her YouTube channel after City crashed out in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 loss.

The video prompted an angry response from City supporters and Zinchenko took to social media to defend his comments.

“First of all, I didn’t say anything bad or judgmental about our tactics so don’t confuse my words please,” he said in a lengthy Instagram post.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bayern-munich-10-psg-uefa-champions-league-final-all-the-action-in-pictures-322813">Bayern Munich 1:0 PSG, UEFA Champions League Final: All the action in pictures</a>

“On the night we lost to Lyon that doesn’t mean the manager was wrong to try. If you have seen my interviews in the past and the way how I talk about our manager then you can believe me. He’s number one.

“Second one about my wife. Although she is a journalist, she is also a fan ... in the video you can see her emotions straight after the game and she gave an opinion like all fans do because she wanted us to do better.

“I’m writing right now from my wedding and instead of enjoying that unbelievable moment I have to do this because I can’t skip it and leave it like that.”

Manchester City left back Oleksandr Zinchenko set aside some time on his wedding day to clarify comments he and his new bride Vlada Sedan made about manager Pep Guardiola in the wake of the club’s Champions League defeat by Olympique Lyon.

Manchester City left back Oleksandr Zinchenko set aside some time on his wedding day to clarify comments he and his new bride Vlada Sedan made about manager Pep Guardiola in the wake of the club’s Champions League defeat by Olympique Lyon. Television reporter Sedan delivered a scathing assessment of Guardiola’s tactics and posted an interview with Zinchenko to her YouTube channel after City crashed out in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 loss. The video prompted an angry response from City supporters and Zinchenko took to social media to defend his comments. “First of all, I didn’t say anything bad or judgmental about our tactics so don’t confuse my words please,” he said in a lengthy Instagram post. IN PICS | Bayern Munich 1:0 PSG, UEFA Champions League Final: All the action in pictures “On the night we lost to Lyon that doesn’t mean the manager was wrong to try. If you have seen my interviews in the past and the way how I talk about our manager then you can believe me. He’s number one. “Second one about my wife. Although she is a journalist, she is also a fan ... in the video you can see her emotions straight after the game and she gave an opinion like all fans do because she wanted us to do better. “I’m writing right now from my wedding and instead of enjoying that unbelievable moment I have to do this because I can’t skip it and leave it like that.”

Manchester City's Zinchenko interrupts wedding day to clarify Guardiola comments

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday.

Anderson was left just one shy of becoming only the fourth bowler to reach the landmark figure as a combination of poor catching, bad weather and determined Pakistan batting thwarted him on the fourth day of the third Test.

Anderson, denied an early breakthrough when Jos Buttler dropped a routine chance to reprieve Shan Masood, returned for a third spell late in the day to have opener Abid Ali lbw for 42 after Masood had fallen lbw, playing no shot, to Stuart Broad.

Abid's dismissal took the 38-year-old Anderson to 599 Test wickets.

But that was as good as it got for Anderson, who ended a day cut short by bad light and rain with 1-18 from 12 overs.

<h2>- 'Amazing feat' -</h2>

"It is a massive achievement," said Silverwood of Anderson's looming milestone. "To have two bowlers above 500 Test wickets (Anderson and Broad) and Jimmy closing in on 600 is an amazing feat."&nbsp;

England are 1-0 up in a three-Test campaign and on the verge of a first Test series win against Pakistan in a decade.

They beat the West Indies 2-1 in the preceding series that marked international cricket's return from lockdown and are about to conclude a programme of six Tests in seven weeks, all played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I'm very proud of how they've handled themselves, being locked up for the best part of 10 weeks in the 'bubble' -- their attitude and effort has been fantastic," said Silverwood.

"To finish strong tomorrow and see Jimmy get his 600th would be fantastic.&nbsp;I want to win the game. That's my first and foremost."

Pakistan following on, were 100-2 -- still 210 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared -- at the close.

Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, was 29 not out following his first-innings century and Babar Azam unbeaten on four.

Abid, who faced 162 balls, said: "England have a world-class bowling attack but the plan was to bat longer and that's what I did.&nbsp;

"I should have stayed longer.

"Azhar played a good knock in the first innings and Babar is there so we still have hope of finishing on a high," he added.

No paceman has yet reached the landmark figure of 600 Test wickets.

The only bowlers ahead of the 38-year-old Anderson in the all-time list are three retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619).

Anderson started the day in sight of the select group after taking 5-56 -- his 29th five-wicket haul in 156 Tests -- during Pakistan's first-innings 273.

He might even have reached the landmark late on Sunday had not three catches been dropped off his bowling with the new ball.

Pakistan resumed a huge 310 runs behind a total built on Zak Crawley's 267 and Buttler's 152.

Azhar's superb 141 not out kept England at bay after Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday.

And there was more frustration for England when Masood, on three, edged Anderson only for the ball to hit Buttler on the thigh as he failed to get his gloves to a chance far less difficult than several catches he held on Sunday.

"No one means to drop them," said Silverwood. "Last night was gloomy but it's still not an excuse.

"And Jos's wobbled horrible" as it came to him, Silverwood added.&nbsp;

"We're out there every morning. So it's not like they're not working on it (catching)."

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday.

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday. Anderson was left just one shy of becoming only the fourth bowler to reach the landmark figure as a combination of poor catching, bad weather and determined Pakistan batting thwarted him on the fourth day of the third Test. Anderson, denied an early breakthrough when Jos Buttler dropped a routine chance to reprieve Shan Masood, returned for a third spell late in the day to have opener Abid Ali lbw for 42 after Masood had fallen lbw, playing no shot, to Stuart Broad. Abid's dismissal took the 38-year-old Anderson to 599 Test wickets. But that was as good as it got for Anderson, who ended a day cut short by bad light and rain with 1-18 from 12 overs. - 'Amazing feat' - "It is a massive achievement," said Silverwood of Anderson's looming milestone. "To have two bowlers above 500 Test wickets (Anderson and Broad) and Jimmy closing in on 600 is an amazing feat." England are 1-0 up in a three-Test campaign and on the verge of a first Test series win against Pakistan in a decade. They beat the West Indies 2-1 in the preceding series that marked international cricket's return from lockdown and are about to conclude a programme of six Tests in seven weeks, all played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic. "I'm very proud of how they've handled themselves, being locked up for the best part of 10 weeks in the 'bubble' -- their attitude and effort has been fantastic," said Silverwood. "To finish strong tomorrow and see Jimmy get his 600th would be fantastic. I want to win the game. That's my first and foremost." Pakistan following on, were 100-2 -- still 210 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared -- at the close. Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, was 29 not out following his first-innings century and Babar Azam unbeaten on four. Abid, who faced 162 balls, said: "England have a world-class bowling attack but the plan was to bat longer and that's what I did. "I should have stayed longer. "Azhar played a good knock in the first innings and Babar is there so we still have hope of finishing on a high," he added. No paceman has yet reached the landmark figure of 600 Test wickets. The only bowlers ahead of the 38-year-old Anderson in the all-time list are three retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619). Anderson started the day in sight of the select group after taking 5-56 -- his 29th five-wicket haul in 156 Tests -- during Pakistan's first-innings 273. He might even have reached the landmark late on Sunday had not three catches been dropped off his bowling with the new ball. Pakistan resumed a huge 310 runs behind a total built on Zak Crawley's 267 and Buttler's 152. Azhar's superb 141 not out kept England at bay after Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday. And there was more frustration for England when Masood, on three, edged Anderson only for the ball to hit Buttler on the thigh as he failed to get his gloves to a chance far less difficult than several catches he held on Sunday. "No one means to drop them," said Silverwood. "Last night was gloomy but it's still not an excuse. "And Jos's wobbled horrible" as it came to him, Silverwood added. "We're out there every morning. So it's not like they're not working on it (catching)."

Silverwood urges England to finish strong and see Anderson to 600th Test wickets

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