Barcelona's boss Ronald Koeman was impressed by his side after a win against Celta Vigo on Thursday despite being rescued to 10-men during the first half of the match.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/g-for-goat-netizens-react-to-messi-vs-ronaldo-in-champions-league-331914" hreflang="en">'G for Goat': Netizens react to Messi vs Ronaldo in Champions League</a>

Barca defender Clement Lenglet was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 41st minute when Barca were 1-0 up after an early strike from Ansu Fati.

Barcelona performed better in the second half despite 10-men after a superb run by Lionel Messi, and a goal in added time from Sergi Roberto.

"I'm so proud of the team for how they played tonight. We worked very well and played with a lot of discipline with one player less," Koeman told reporters after the second win in a row to start the La Liga campaign.

"We are doing very well and results like this invite us to think we are on the right path."

"We play like we train, you can tell that we are in a much better shape physically," added Koeman.

"It's not my business to talk about last season, I only care about this one but from day one I've seen these players show that they are hungry and motivated about redeeming themselves."

(Inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Barcelona's boss Ronald Koeman was impressed by his side after a win against Celta Vigo on Thursday despite being rescued to 10-men during the first half of the match.

Barcelona's boss Ronald Koeman was impressed by his side after a win against Celta Vigo on Thursday despite being rescued to 10-men during the first half of the match. Also read: 'G for Goat': Netizens react to Messi vs Ronaldo in Champions League Barca defender Clement Lenglet was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 41st minute when Barca were 1-0 up after an early strike from Ansu Fati. Barcelona performed better in the second half despite 10-men after a superb run by Lionel Messi, and a goal in added time from Sergi Roberto. "I'm so proud of the team for how they played tonight. We worked very well and played with a lot of discipline with one player less," Koeman told reporters after the second win in a row to start the La Liga campaign. "We are doing very well and results like this invite us to think we are on the right path." "We play like we train, you can tell that we are in a much better shape physically," added Koeman. "It's not my business to talk about last season, I only care about this one but from day one I've seen these players show that they are hungry and motivated about redeeming themselves." (Inputs from Reuters)

'On the right path': Koeman impressed with Barcelona's performance against Celta Vigo

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed the signing of Sergino Dest from Ajax with the 19-year-old USMNT international joining the Catalan club after a splendid Eredivisie 2019-20 season. Dest led Ajax to first place in Eredivisie 2019-20 before the Dutch top-flight league was declared null and void due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Barcelona locked horns with reigning German and European champions Bayern Munich but the Catalan club was successful in signing the young starlet. Earlier, it was reported that Bayern Munich had an agreement with Ajax for the signing of Dest but Barcelona were clever with their officials bid of €21 million (£19m/$25m) – higher than that of Bayern Munich – and agreed personal terms with Dest quickly.&nbsp;

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🇺🇸 The American Dream in Barcelona. 
🔵🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/sergino_dest?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sergino_dest</a>, welcome to Barça! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DE2TCuler?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DE2TCuler</a> <a href="https://t.co/gq6avTiHq8">pic.twitter.com/gq6avTiHq8</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1311639933900206085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-asking-for-changes-to-footballs-handball-law-331692" hreflang="en">Premier League asking for changes to football's handball law</a>

A statement from the Liga giants on their official website read: “FC Barcelona and Ajax have reached an agreement for the transfer of Sergiño Dest. The cost of the operation is 21 million euros plus a further five million in variables.

“The player will sign a contract for the next five seasons, through to the end of the 2024/25 season, with a buyout clause set at 400 million euros.

“Sergiño Dest combines many excellent qualities needed in a full back: attacking when called for, solid defensively, unruffled in possession and creative with it.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-miss-hazard-as-vinicius-sneaks-win-over-valladolid-331689" hreflang="en">Madrid miss Hazard as Vinicius sneaks win over Valladolid</a>

“The defender has the ability to take players on and his pace is a virtue going forward and defending. Those qualities will be on display from now on in a Barca shirt, a challenge for a fearless young full-back.”

Dest will look to make the right-back spot his own following the departure of Nelson Semedo to Wolves. 
&nbsp;

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed the signing of Sergino Dest from Ajax with the 19-year-old USMNT international joining the Catalan club after a splendid Eredivisie 2019-20 season.

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed the signing of Sergino Dest from Ajax with the 19-year-old USMNT international joining the Catalan club after a splendid Eredivisie 2019-20 season. Dest led Ajax to first place in Eredivisie 2019-20 before the Dutch top-flight league was declared null and void due to COVID-19 pandemic. Barcelona locked horns with reigning German and European champions Bayern Munich but the Catalan club was successful in signing the young starlet. Earlier, it was reported that Bayern Munich had an agreement with Ajax for the signing of Dest but Barcelona were clever with their officials bid of €21 million (£19m/$25m) – higher than that of Bayern Munich – and agreed personal terms with Dest quickly. 🇺🇸 The American Dream in Barcelona. 🔵🔴 @sergino_dest, welcome to Barça! #DE2TCuler pic.twitter.com/gq6avTiHq8 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 1, 2020 × ALSO READ: Premier League asking for changes to football's handball law A statement from the Liga giants on their official website read: “FC Barcelona and Ajax have reached an agreement for the transfer of Sergiño Dest. The cost of the operation is 21 million euros plus a further five million in variables. “The player will sign a contract for the next five seasons, through to the end of the 2024/25 season, with a buyout clause set at 400 million euros. “Sergiño Dest combines many excellent qualities needed in a full back: attacking when called for, solid defensively, unruffled in possession and creative with it. ALSO READ: Madrid miss Hazard as Vinicius sneaks win over Valladolid “The defender has the ability to take players on and his pace is a virtue going forward and defending. Those qualities will be on display from now on in a Barca shirt, a challenge for a fearless young full-back.” Dest will look to make the right-back spot his own following the departure of Nelson Semedo to Wolves.

Barcelona sign USMNT full-back Sergino Dest from Ajax

Medical residents interns (MIR) took to the streets of Barcelona on Tuesday (September 29) to demand better salaries and working conditions amid the coronavirus emergency in Spain.

Medical resident interns (MIR) demand "decent working conditions" after COVID emergency

Lionel Messi called for "an end" to arguments at Barcelona as he urged unity at the club he tried to leave before the season.

The Barcelona captain spoke to Barcelona newspaper Sport in an interview published online late on Tuesday.

"After so many disagreements, I would like to put an end to it," said Messi.

"We must unite all Barcelona's people and assume that the best is yet to come."

Messi referred to his attempt to force Barcelona to release him from the final year of his contract after the disastrous end to last season left the club without a trophy.

"I take responsibility for my mistakes, that, if they existed, were only to make a better and stronger FC Barcelona," said the Argentine.

"I wanted to send a message to all the club members and to all the fans. If any of them is bothered for a second by something I said or did, they should never doubt that I am always thinking about what is best for the club."

"Adding passion and desire will be the only way to achieve our objectives, always united and pulling in the same direction," said Messi, who last Friday criticised the way Barcelona had let Luis Suarez go saying "the truth is nothing surprises me anymore."

Lionel Messi called for "an end" to arguments at Barcelona as he urged unity at the club he tried to leave before the season. The Barcelona captain spoke to Barcelona newspaper Sport in an interview published online late on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi called for "an end" to arguments at Barcelona as he urged unity at the club he tried to leave before the season. The Barcelona captain spoke to Barcelona newspaper Sport in an interview published online late on Tuesday. "After so many disagreements, I would like to put an end to it," said Messi. "We must unite all Barcelona's people and assume that the best is yet to come." Messi referred to his attempt to force Barcelona to release him from the final year of his contract after the disastrous end to last season left the club without a trophy. "I take responsibility for my mistakes, that, if they existed, were only to make a better and stronger FC Barcelona," said the Argentine. "I wanted to send a message to all the club members and to all the fans. If any of them is bothered for a second by something I said or did, they should never doubt that I am always thinking about what is best for the club." "Adding passion and desire will be the only way to achieve our objectives, always united and pulling in the same direction," said Messi, who last Friday criticised the way Barcelona had let Luis Suarez go saying "the truth is nothing surprises me anymore."

Messi says he wants to 'put an end' to Barcelona feuding

Luis Suarez's exit has marked an era of 'MSN' (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) in Barcelona. In a goodbye post, Lionel Messi lashed out at the club for the way Suarez had to exit the club.&nbsp;

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Leo Messi took to Instagram and vented out his anger on Barcelona.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFjb7KrCMBg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Ya me venía haciendo la idea pero hoy entré al vestuario y me cayó la ficha de verdad. Que difícil va a ser no seguir compartiendo el día a día con vos, tanto en las canchas como afuera. Los vamos a extrañar muchísimo. Fueron muchos años, muchos mates, comidas, cenas... Muchas cosas que nunca se van a olvidar, todos los días juntos. Va a ser raro verte con otra camiseta y mucho más enfrentarte. Te merecías que te despidan como lo que sos: uno de los jugadores más importantes de la historia del club, consiguiendo cosas importantes tanto en lo grupal como individualmente. Y no que te echen como lo hicieron. Pero la verdad que a esta altura ya no me sorprende nada. Te deseo todo lo mejor en este nuevo desafío. Te quiero mucho, los quiero mucho. Hasta pronto, amigo.</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leomessi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Leo Messi</a> (@leomessi) on <time datetime="2020-09-25T08:59:52+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 25, 2020 at 1:59am PDT</time>
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The caption was written in Spanish, but here's the translation:&nbsp;

“I had already begun to imagine it but today I went into the dressing room and it truly dawned on me. It’s going to be so difficult to not continue to share every day with you both on the pitches and away from them.

“We’re going to miss you so much. We spent many years together, many mates, many lunches and many dinners. So many things we will never forget, all the time we spent together.

“It will be strange to see you in another shirt and much more to come up against you on the pitch. You deserved a farewell that fit with who you are: one of the most important players in the history of the club. Someone who achieved great things for the team and on an individual level.

“You did not deserve for them to throw you out like they did. But the truth is that at this stage nothing surprises me anymore.”

Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez bid adieu to the Catalan club and has sealed a deal with Athletico Madrid after he was told he’s not in Ronald Koeman’s plans for the future.

He had to terminate his contract to move to Madrid.

Luis Suarez's exit has marked an era of 'MSN' (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) in Barcelona. In a goodbye post, Lionel Messi lashed out at the club for the way Suarez had to exit the club.

Luis Suarez's exit has marked an era of 'MSN' (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) in Barcelona. In a goodbye post, Lionel Messi lashed out at the club for the way Suarez had to exit the club. Also read: Martinez hands Bayern 'dream' UEFA Super Cup win in front of 15,000 fans Leo Messi took to Instagram and vented out his anger on Barcelona. View this post on Instagram Ya me venía haciendo la idea pero hoy entré al vestuario y me cayó la ficha de verdad. Que difícil va a ser no seguir compartiendo el día a día con vos, tanto en las canchas como afuera. Los vamos a extrañar muchísimo. Fueron muchos años, muchos mates, comidas, cenas... Muchas cosas que nunca se van a olvidar, todos los días juntos. Va a ser raro verte con otra camiseta y mucho más enfrentarte. Te merecías que te despidan como lo que sos: uno de los jugadores más importantes de la historia del club, consiguiendo cosas importantes tanto en lo grupal como individualmente. Y no que te echen como lo hicieron. Pero la verdad que a esta altura ya no me sorprende nada. Te deseo todo lo mejor en este nuevo desafío. Te quiero mucho, los quiero mucho. Hasta pronto, amigo. A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Sep 25, 2020 at 1:59am PDT × The caption was written in Spanish, but here's the translation: “I had already begun to imagine it but today I went into the dressing room and it truly dawned on me. It’s going to be so difficult to not continue to share every day with you both on the pitches and away from them. “We’re going to miss you so much. We spent many years together, many mates, many lunches and many dinners. So many things we will never forget, all the time we spent together. “It will be strange to see you in another shirt and much more to come up against you on the pitch. You deserved a farewell that fit with who you are: one of the most important players in the history of the club. Someone who achieved great things for the team and on an individual level. “You did not deserve for them to throw you out like they did. But the truth is that at this stage nothing surprises me anymore.” Former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez bid adieu to the Catalan club and has sealed a deal with Athletico Madrid after he was told he’s not in Ronald Koeman’s plans for the future. He had to terminate his contract to move to Madrid.

'You deserved a farewell': Lionel Messi blasts on Barcelona over Luis Suarez's departure

Perugia prosecutor's department on Tuesday said that Barcelona's striker Luis Suarez is suspected of cheating to pass his Italian language test with the help of his teachers.

Perugia prosecutor's department on Tuesday said that Barcelona's striker Luis Suarez is suspected of cheating to pass his Italian language test with the help of his teachers. Also read: La Liga: Barca looking to block Luis Suarez's move to Atletico Madrid Clearing the Italian exam is the first step to receive a passport. Suarez has been looking for one after being linked to Juventus as a possible transfer. "The investigation showed that the subjects discussed during the exam were agreed beforehand with the candidate and that the grade was awarded to him even before the test," the prosecutor's department said in a statement. Raffaele Cantone, a former head of Italy's National Anti-Corruption Authority, has been investigating University for Foreigners officials over various irregularities since February. Suarez came under suspicion over an overheard conversation. "But what do you think, that we're going to fail him? Today I have the last lesson (with Suarez) and I have to prepare it because he barely speaks a word" of Italian, Stefania Spina, one of the people targeted by the investigation, is claimed to have said according to prosecution documents cited by Italian media. Asked by a colleague what level Suarez "should pass" in Italian, Spina reportedly replied: "He should not, he must, he will pass, because with a salary of 10 million (euros) per season, you can't make him fail" his exam, "even if he doesn't know how to conjugate verbs and speak in the infinitive." According to Juve coach Andrea Pirlo, a proposed deal for Suarez was unlikely to go ahead because of delays in the Uruguayan's bid to get an Italian passport. The Italian champions cannot recruit Suarez otherwise because they have already reached their quota for non-EU players. (Inputs from AFP)

Luis Suarez and cheating? Barca striker suspected of cheating on Italian exam

Atletico Madrid are in a pursuit to sign Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. However, Barcelona are attempting to block the deal by adding the Madrid side to a list of 'vetoed clubs' he can't join.

According to a report in Onda Cero, Barca is trying to add Atletico to a &nbsp;'vetoed clubs' that he can't join, alongside rivals Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite Barca wanting to get rid of the player, they are not risking sending him to rival club and scoring against Barcelona.&nbsp;

Free-agent Edison Cavani is also linked with Diego Simeone side, he is being seen as a backup signing if the deal with Suarez crashes.&nbsp;

Earlier, Suarez was linked to Juventus, but as Juve have secured a deal for Alvaro Morata on loan, his deal with the Italian side looks off the table.&nbsp;

Onda Cero's report claims that Suarez and Barcelona have reached an agreement to cancel his contract, but the signing has yet to take place and this latest twist in events could change things. &nbsp;

It has been reported that Simeone is desperate to get Suarez through the door to add some much-needed attackers to his Atletico team.

If the deal does go through, Suarez would sign for two seasons and receive a net salary of £8.3million in each of them.

Atletico Madrid are in a pursuit to sign Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. However, Barcelona are attempting to block the deal by adding the Madrid side to a list of 'vetoed clubs' he can't join.

Atletico Madrid are in a pursuit to sign Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. However, Barcelona are attempting to block the deal by adding the Madrid side to a list of 'vetoed clubs' he can't join. According to a report in Onda Cero, Barca is trying to add Atletico to a 'vetoed clubs' that he can't join, alongside rivals Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Despite Barca wanting to get rid of the player, they are not risking sending him to rival club and scoring against Barcelona. Free-agent Edison Cavani is also linked with Diego Simeone side, he is being seen as a backup signing if the deal with Suarez crashes. Earlier, Suarez was linked to Juventus, but as Juve have secured a deal for Alvaro Morata on loan, his deal with the Italian side looks off the table. Onda Cero's report claims that Suarez and Barcelona have reached an agreement to cancel his contract, but the signing has yet to take place and this latest twist in events could change things. It has been reported that Simeone is desperate to get Suarez through the door to add some much-needed attackers to his Atletico team. If the deal does go through, Suarez would sign for two seasons and receive a net salary of £8.3million in each of them.

La Liga: Barca looking to block Luis Suarez's move to Atletico Madrid

Dutch daily De Telegraaf on Tuesday reported that Lyon striker Memphis Depay has completed his transfer to Barcelona which is worth 25 million euros ($29.6 million).

Dutch daily De Telegraaf on Tuesday reported that Lyon striker Memphis Depay has completed his transfer to Barcelona which is worth 25 million euros ($29.6 million). Also read: Star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signs new Arsenal contract Depay has been regularly a part of the playing XI when Ronald Koeman (current Barcelona coach) was in charge of the national team, and if the deal is successful the Dutch striker will join Frenkie de Jong. "Barcelona hope to confirm officially the transfer and introduce Depay to Camp Nou later in the week," said De Telegraaf. According to the daily, the transfer amount would be 25 million euros plus five million euros at the end of this season, and two million euros in bonuses. Earlier, Barca's coach Koeman told the Uruguayan Luis Suarez that he wasn't in his plans for the coming season. Also read: Big-spending Chelsea start with win at Brighton Depay played a vital role in Lyon's progress to the Champions League semi-final and scored a hat-trick in their opening Ligue 1 win of the season over Dijon. However, he had announced that he did not wish to extend his contract in France and has never hidden his desire to play "for a bigger club" than Lyon. He began his career with PSV Eindhoven before moving to Manchester United and, in 2017, Lyon. (Inputs from AFP)

Lyon's Memphis Depay packing his bags for Barcelona to join Ronald Koeman: Reports

Before I begin my article, I would like my readers to know that I am an ardent supporter of Barcelona. I believe in the ideology that 'No player is bigger than the club'. But my ideology fickles when it comes to Lionel Messi.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi's transfer request did not come as a surprise for me. For a guy who was a backbone, a lifesaver for the team in these years, the catastrophic loss to Bayern was too much for him to handle.&nbsp;

<img alt="ccc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d22208f5-4486-4d88-bdd0-84afd0b037b0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_47.jpg" />

Let's dip into a bit of history, the Argentine has been a genius ever since he stepped on the football pitch. At the age of six, the maestro scored nearly 500 goals as of "The Machine of '87", the near-unbeatable youth side named for the year of their birth during the six years he played for Newell's.&nbsp;

He to beat all the odds! After fighting poverty and growth hormone deficiency, he managed to arrange a trial for Barcelona's youth academy La Masia in September 2000 with the help of Argentine representatives Fabian Soldini and Martin Montero, and football agent in Spain, Horacio Gaggioli. The youngster dazzled everyone with the ball. The Rosario-born was so impressive that First team director Charly Rexach immediately wanted to sign him, but the board of directors hesitant. &nbsp;Basically, at that time it was highly unusual for European clubs to sign foreign players of such a young age. Joan Gaspart, the then president of Barcelona, thought it was too much of a risk. However, Horacio Gaggioli threatened the club that he would offer Messi to other clubs, which included their arch-rivals Real Madrid.&nbsp;

In an interview to FIFA.com, Gaggioli said: “The family wanted him to try out with a European team, in whichever city I was living in so that he’d have a contact there. At the time I was about to go and work for a company in Madrid and I asked them to hold on so I could sort out my future and see where he could have his trial. If I ended up going to the capital, we’d have a try-out with Real Madrid or Atletico.”

On December 14, three months after Messi's initial contact with Barcelona, Gaggioli forced Rexach to decide Messi's future in Barcelona.

It was then that Rexach took a paper napkin and wrote: “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio (Gaggioli), Carles Rexach, Director of Football of F.C.B., hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon.”

This 'napkin deal' marked the beginning of a sensational era for the Catalan club making it the most successful signing of Barcelona.&nbsp;

<img alt="xx" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0cf02141-efcb-41c5-b3e7-6d152b528a7a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_45.jpg" />

20 years later, the boy from Rosario became the captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, Barca's dependency on Lionel Messi has increased. Club's form is purely based on how the little magician plays. Lionel Messi has played a crucial role in important matches.&nbsp;

When Neymar arrived at the club, every fan including me viewed him as a successor of Lionel Messi. With Luis Suarez's arrival began the era of 'MSN'.&nbsp;

The trio scored record-breaking goals and won many trophies for the club. Despite Messi contributed the most in the trio, the club was no more solely dependant on the Argentine.&nbsp;

<img alt="cc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b101964-d79a-407c-a047-e021e79edbc7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_43.jpg" />

However, within three years Neymar left for PSG in a record-breaking deal marking the end of 'MSN' era.

When Cristiano Ronaldo left, everyone thought Real Madrid is over. But here they are! Zinedine Zidane's team won La Liga without Ronaldo. But I feel the situation will be worse when it comes to Barcelona. Messi's goodbye will be bad for the club.&nbsp;

'Living in the present' has cost Barcelona a heavy prize and Messi's transfer request is a slap on Bartomeu's face. Some football pundits suggest that Bartomeu's resignation might help Lionel Messi stay. I disagree with it. I think Messi wants to leave. He might be back to training and seen smiling, but I am sure he is waiting for the contract to end. &nbsp;

<img alt="ddd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66a89888-e019-4a4e-bc7f-73b22416e2b2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_37.jpg" />

Now, the club is doing what it should have been doing before, looking for its future. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has been appointed as the new manager of the club.&nbsp;

The clause in Messi's contract saved Barcelona from a major disaster. But that too will come to an end after a year. Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have one year to find a player who is special enough to replace Lionel Messi.&nbsp;

Teen sensation Ansu Fati has shown signs of being the next big thing for the club, but many believe he is still not ready to fill in Messi's shoes. Ronaldinho mentored Lionel Messi during the Argentine's initial days. Will Messi be Fati's Ronaldinho?

The bigger question remains. Who will succeed Lionel Messi?&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Before I begin my article, I would like my readers to know that I am an ardent supporter of Barcelona. I believe in the ideology that 'No player is bigger than the club'.

Before I begin my article, I would like my readers to know that I am an ardent supporter of Barcelona. I believe in the ideology that 'No player is bigger than the club'. But my ideology fickles when it comes to Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi's transfer request did not come as a surprise for me. For a guy who was a backbone, a lifesaver for the team in these years, the catastrophic loss to Bayern was too much for him to handle. Let's dip into a bit of history, the Argentine has been a genius ever since he stepped on the football pitch. At the age of six, the maestro scored nearly 500 goals as of "The Machine of '87", the near-unbeatable youth side named for the year of their birth during the six years he played for Newell's. He to beat all the odds! After fighting poverty and growth hormone deficiency, he managed to arrange a trial for Barcelona's youth academy La Masia in September 2000 with the help of Argentine representatives Fabian Soldini and Martin Montero, and football agent in Spain, Horacio Gaggioli. The youngster dazzled everyone with the ball. The Rosario-born was so impressive that First team director Charly Rexach immediately wanted to sign him, but the board of directors hesitant. Basically, at that time it was highly unusual for European clubs to sign foreign players of such a young age. Joan Gaspart, the then president of Barcelona, thought it was too much of a risk. However, Horacio Gaggioli threatened the club that he would offer Messi to other clubs, which included their arch-rivals Real Madrid. In an interview to FIFA.com, Gaggioli said: “The family wanted him to try out with a European team, in whichever city I was living in so that he’d have a contact there. At the time I was about to go and work for a company in Madrid and I asked them to hold on so I could sort out my future and see where he could have his trial. If I ended up going to the capital, we’d have a try-out with Real Madrid or Atletico.” On December 14, three months after Messi's initial contact with Barcelona, Gaggioli forced Rexach to decide Messi's future in Barcelona. It was then that Rexach took a paper napkin and wrote: “In Barcelona, on 14 December 2000 and the presence of Messrs Minguella and Horacio (Gaggioli), Carles Rexach, Director of Football of F.C.B., hereby agrees, under his responsibility and regardless of any dissenting opinions, to sign the player Lionel Messi, provided that we keep to the amounts agreed upon.” This 'napkin deal' marked the beginning of a sensational era for the Catalan club making it the most successful signing of Barcelona. 20 years later, the boy from Rosario became the captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, Barca's dependency on Lionel Messi has increased. Club's form is purely based on how the little magician plays. Lionel Messi has played a crucial role in important matches. When Neymar arrived at the club, every fan including me viewed him as a successor of Lionel Messi. With Luis Suarez's arrival began the era of 'MSN'. The trio scored record-breaking goals and won many trophies for the club. Despite Messi contributed the most in the trio, the club was no more solely dependant on the Argentine. However, within three years Neymar left for PSG in a record-breaking deal marking the end of 'MSN' era. When Cristiano Ronaldo left, everyone thought Real Madrid is over. But here they are! Zinedine Zidane's team won La Liga without Ronaldo. But I feel the situation will be worse when it comes to Barcelona. Messi's goodbye will be bad for the club. 'Living in the present' has cost Barcelona a heavy prize and Messi's transfer request is a slap on Bartomeu's face. Some football pundits suggest that Bartomeu's resignation might help Lionel Messi stay. I disagree with it. I think Messi wants to leave. He might be back to training and seen smiling, but I am sure he is waiting for the contract to end. Now, the club is doing what it should have been doing before, looking for its future. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman has been appointed as the new manager of the club. The clause in Messi's contract saved Barcelona from a major disaster. But that too will come to an end after a year. Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have one year to find a player who is special enough to replace Lionel Messi. Teen sensation Ansu Fati has shown signs of being the next big thing for the club, but many believe he is still not ready to fill in Messi's shoes. Ronaldinho mentored Lionel Messi during the Argentine's initial days. Will Messi be Fati's Ronaldinho? The bigger question remains. Who will succeed Lionel Messi? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lionel Messi: From a napkin deal to the 'release clause'!

Lionel Messi was back in full training with Barcelona on Wednesday for the first time since conceding defeat in his battle to leave the club.

Unlike Monday, when the 33-year-old Argentine superstar had to train alone under La Liga's coronavirus protocol, he joined up with the rest of the squad in the session taken by new coach Ronald Koeman.

A club statement reported that others returning to the main group were Philippe Coutinho,&nbsp;Sergio Busquets,&nbsp;Frenkie de Jong&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ansu Fati.

Messi faces another season with the Catalan club after losing his stand-off with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu over a 700 million-euro release clause.

The Argentinian superstar hit out at Bartomeu in his bitter announcement last week that he was staying and warned he was expecting to see progress, saying: "There is a new coach and new ideas. That's good, but then we have to see how the team responds and whether or not it will allow us to compete at the top level."

Adding to Messi's discomfort his two closest friends at Barcelona, Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal, are expected to join Juventus and Inter Milan respectively.

Koeman's first match in charge since replacing Quique Setien in the aftermath of last month's humiliating 8-2 Champions League pounding by Bayern Munich is a friendly against third division opposition on Saturday.

Lionel Messi was back in full training with Barcelona on Wednesday for the first time since conceding defeat in his battle to leave the club. Unlike Monday, when the 33-year-old Argentine superstar had to train alone under La Liga's coronavirus protocol, he joined up with the rest of the squad in the session taken by new coach Ronald Koeman.

Lionel Messi was back in full training with Barcelona on Wednesday for the first time since conceding defeat in his battle to leave the club. Unlike Monday, when the 33-year-old Argentine superstar had to train alone under La Liga's coronavirus protocol, he joined up with the rest of the squad in the session taken by new coach Ronald Koeman. A club statement reported that others returning to the main group were Philippe Coutinho, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati. Messi faces another season with the Catalan club after losing his stand-off with Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu over a 700 million-euro release clause. The Argentinian superstar hit out at Bartomeu in his bitter announcement last week that he was staying and warned he was expecting to see progress, saying: "There is a new coach and new ideas. That's good, but then we have to see how the team responds and whether or not it will allow us to compete at the top level." Adding to Messi's discomfort his two closest friends at Barcelona, Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal, are expected to join Juventus and Inter Milan respectively. Koeman's first match in charge since replacing Quique Setien in the aftermath of last month's humiliating 8-2 Champions League pounding by Bayern Munich is a friendly against third division opposition on Saturday.

Messi back in full training with Barca

With Lionel Messi deciding to stay at Barcelona, a campaign has been started to force a vote of no-confidence against club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. ‘Mes que una mocio’ (More than a motion), the group supported by next year’s presidential candidates have started a campaign to oust the Barcelona boss and have gathered already 7.500 signatures.&nbsp;

To successfully trigger the members voting process, the campaign needs to acquire at least 16,520 votes by September 17. If the campaign reaches the target and the vote of no-confidence motion is held then two thirds of the club’s 150,000 members would need to vote against Bartomeu to kick him out of the club and trigger an imminent election.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-star-kylian-mbappe-tests-positive-for-covid-19-325867" hreflang="en">PSG star Kylian Mbappe tests positive for COVID-19</a>

Notably, Bartomeu cannot stand again for elections as he has served two terms. He has called elections for March 2021, three months ahead of the schedule following Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in UEFA Champions League in August.

The motion of no-confidence was filed by presidential candidate Jordi Farre on August 26, one day after club’s all-time high scorer and six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi sent the burofax saying he wished to leave the Catalan club.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-foden-greenwood-sent-home-after-naive-virus-breach-325830" hreflang="en">England's Foden, Greenwood sent home after 'naive' virus breach</a>

The Argentinian maestro then on Friday said that he would stay for this season as he didn’t want to drag Barcelona – the club he loves – to the court. Messi went on to say that he was telling the Barca chief that he wants to leave the club since the start of the season but his only mistake was not to say it officially.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Messi has returned back to training on Monday and has been working on his fitness alone.&nbsp;

With Lionel Messi deciding to stay at Barcelona, a campaign has been started to force a vote of no-confidence against club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. ‘Mes que una mocio’ (More than a motion), the group supported by next year’s presidential candidates have started a campaign to oust the Barcelona boss and have gathered already 7.

With Lionel Messi deciding to stay at Barcelona, a campaign has been started to force a vote of no-confidence against club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. ‘Mes que una mocio’ (More than a motion), the group supported by next year’s presidential candidates have started a campaign to oust the Barcelona boss and have gathered already 7.500 signatures. To successfully trigger the members voting process, the campaign needs to acquire at least 16,520 votes by September 17. If the campaign reaches the target and the vote of no-confidence motion is held then two thirds of the club’s 150,000 members would need to vote against Bartomeu to kick him out of the club and trigger an imminent election. ALSO READ: PSG star Kylian Mbappe tests positive for COVID-19 Notably, Bartomeu cannot stand again for elections as he has served two terms. He has called elections for March 2021, three months ahead of the schedule following Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in UEFA Champions League in August. The motion of no-confidence was filed by presidential candidate Jordi Farre on August 26, one day after club’s all-time high scorer and six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi sent the burofax saying he wished to leave the Catalan club. ALSO READ: England's Foden, Greenwood sent home after 'naive' virus breach The Argentinian maestro then on Friday said that he would stay for this season as he didn’t want to drag Barcelona – the club he loves – to the court. Messi went on to say that he was telling the Barca chief that he wants to leave the club since the start of the season but his only mistake was not to say it officially. Meanwhile, Messi has returned back to training on Monday and has been working on his fitness alone.

Messi saga: Campaign to remove Barcelona boss Josep Bartomeu gathers pace

From behind the large windows of Barcelona's Centre Parc nursing home, elderly residents blow kisses, give virtual hugs and speak to loved ones on the other side of the glass using mobile phones.

Love and care through a nursing home's glass window in times of COVID

Over the years, Lionel Messi has troubled Real Madrid a lot while playing for Barcelona but with things developing quick, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner may not be seen playing for Blaugrana in the future. Arch-rival and captain of Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos has given his take on the entire Messi transfer saga as the Spaniard said Messi has earned the right to decide his future.&nbsp;

However, Ramos clarified that he doesn’t know whether leaving with a conflict with Barcelona is the right way to leave while adding for Spanish football, Barcelona and Real Madrid, he would like Messi to continue his career at Barcelona.&nbsp;

Ramos is of the view that Messi’s presence make La Liga, Barcelona and El Clasicos a better spectacle and added that that he wants to beat the best and Messi is one of the best in the world.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messis-next-team-clubs-who-can-really-afford-to-sign-the-argentine-323423" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine</a>

"He's earned the right to decide his future,” Ramos told reporters in a press-conference, “but I don't know if it's the best way."

He added: “For Spanish football, for Barcelona and for us, we'd like him to stay. Leo makes the Spanish league, his team and the Clasicos better.

"You always like beating the best and he's one of the best in the world."

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>

Messi’s father Jorge met Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu on Wednesday with another meeting scheduled for Thursday as both the camps look for a mutual agreement in relation to Argentine’s future. While Barcelona continue to remain firm on their stance that they want Messi to stay, his father is in Spain to negotiate a possible deal which would allow Messi to leave the Nou Camp.&nbsp;

Messi, earlier last week, had sent a burofax asking Barcelona to allow him to leave for free, as per an existing clause in his contract. He later skipped the PCR tests conducted by Barcelona while also being absent from new manager Ronald Koeman’s first training session. 
&nbsp;

Over the years, Lionel Messi has troubled Real Madrid a lot while playing for Barcelona but with things developing quick, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner may not be seen playing for Blaugrana in the future.

Over the years, Lionel Messi has troubled Real Madrid a lot while playing for Barcelona but with things developing quick, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner may not be seen playing for Blaugrana in the future. Arch-rival and captain of Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos has given his take on the entire Messi transfer saga as the Spaniard said Messi has earned the right to decide his future. However, Ramos clarified that he doesn’t know whether leaving with a conflict with Barcelona is the right way to leave while adding for Spanish football, Barcelona and Real Madrid, he would like Messi to continue his career at Barcelona. Ramos is of the view that Messi’s presence make La Liga, Barcelona and El Clasicos a better spectacle and added that that he wants to beat the best and Messi is one of the best in the world. IN PICS | Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine "He's earned the right to decide his future,” Ramos told reporters in a press-conference, “but I don't know if it's the best way." He added: “For Spanish football, for Barcelona and for us, we'd like him to stay. Leo makes the Spanish league, his team and the Clasicos better. "You always like beating the best and he's one of the best in the world." IN PICS | Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club Messi’s father Jorge met Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu on Wednesday with another meeting scheduled for Thursday as both the camps look for a mutual agreement in relation to Argentine’s future. While Barcelona continue to remain firm on their stance that they want Messi to stay, his father is in Spain to negotiate a possible deal which would allow Messi to leave the Nou Camp. Messi, earlier last week, had sent a burofax asking Barcelona to allow him to leave for free, as per an existing clause in his contract. He later skipped the PCR tests conducted by Barcelona while also being absent from new manager Ronald Koeman’s first training session.

Should Lionel Messi leave Barcelona? Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos opines

Lionel Messi has been a star in Barcelona for more than a decade. The Argentine has donned the iconic No. 10 jersey under the colours of Blaugrana.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netizens-puzzled-after-barcelona-launch-stadium-kit-featuring-lionel-messi-324730" hreflang="en">Netizens puzzled after Barcelona launch 'Stadium' kit featuring Lionel Messi</a>

When Messi began his first-team career at Barcelona. He scored his first senior goal for the club wearing the No.30. The player soon switched to No.19 after establishing himself as a regular in the side.

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>

Lionel Messi succeeded his former team-mate Ronaldinho and inherited the No.10 shirt after the Brazilian left the club at the end of the 2007-08 season.

Lionel Messi has always been vocal about his predecessor Ronaldinho and thanked him for guiding in on transitioning into the senior side.

<img alt="mm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b379d6ee-da9b-4dab-9821-578918bf56ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_37.jpg" />

“He (Ronaldinho) was a great help,” Messi told the Barcelona official website in 2013. “It’s never easy to go into a changing room at the age of 16, especially with my character.

In pics:&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>

"Before leaving the club (Ronaldinho) was coming off a few months where he was thinking about things.

"He had it in his mind that he was leaving and he told me to have his number. I took it without looking at what he had done with the shirt. If I did, I would not have taken it."

Brazilian legend Ronaldinho said that the club should not allow any player to wear the number if Messi leaves the club.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messis-next-team-clubs-who-can-really-afford-to-sign-the-argentine-323423" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine</a>

"When Messi retires, which I hope will be a long time from now, they should leave the No.10 there so that nobody can touch it again," he told the Sun in 2018.

Lionel Messi has been a star in Barcelona for more than a decade. The Argentine has donned the iconic No. 10 jersey under the colours of Blaugrana. Also read: Netizens puzzled after Barcelona launch 'Stadium' kit featuring Lionel Messi When Messi began his first-team career at Barcelona.

Lionel Messi has been a star in Barcelona for more than a decade. The Argentine has donned the iconic No. 10 jersey under the colours of Blaugrana. Also read: Netizens puzzled after Barcelona launch 'Stadium' kit featuring Lionel Messi When Messi began his first-team career at Barcelona. He scored his first senior goal for the club wearing the No.30. The player soon switched to No.19 after establishing himself as a regular in the side. In pics: Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club Lionel Messi succeeded his former team-mate Ronaldinho and inherited the No.10 shirt after the Brazilian left the club at the end of the 2007-08 season. Lionel Messi has always been vocal about his predecessor Ronaldinho and thanked him for guiding in on transitioning into the senior side. “He (Ronaldinho) was a great help,” Messi told the Barcelona official website in 2013. “It’s never easy to go into a changing room at the age of 16, especially with my character. In pics: What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures "Before leaving the club (Ronaldinho) was coming off a few months where he was thinking about things. "He had it in his mind that he was leaving and he told me to have his number. I took it without looking at what he had done with the shirt. If I did, I would not have taken it." Brazilian legend Ronaldinho said that the club should not allow any player to wear the number if Messi leaves the club. In pics: Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine "When Messi retires, which I hope will be a long time from now, they should leave the No.10 there so that nobody can touch it again," he told the Sun in 2018.

Lionel Messi's journey from jersey no. 19 to 10 in FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona launched their new 2020-21 Stadium kits for sale today. The club took to Twitter to announce this news with a poster that featured players donning the new jersey.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
👕 The 20/21 home 'Stadium' jersey is now available 
🔵🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnlyForCulers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnlyForCulers</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1301066379479613441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, Messi's presence in the poster raised a lot of questions and left the netizens puzzled. Some of the users were against the player's presence on the poster.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi's decision to leave his club has sparked off a massive controversy involving the club's top brass.&nbsp;

Last week, the player sent a buro-fax to Barcelona asking them to allow him to leave for free, as per an existing clause in his contract. However, Barcelona refuses to listen to Messi and are firm that the EUR 700 million release clause is still active and if the Argentine maestro has to leave the club then the full amount needs to be paid.&nbsp;

Even La Liga jumped in between and issued a statement agreeing to Barcelona’s stance as the Spanish league said that the full release clause needs to be paid by any other team if they want to acquire Messi’s services.

Here are the reactions:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Is Messi Available?
— Varun Shiralkar (@vrshiralkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/vrshiralkar/status/1301066508664107009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Remove Messi from the posters and stop using him for clout
— Setien Junior (@SonOfSetien) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonOfSetien/status/1301066497951846400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Messi 🤔🤔
— 6️⃣ Ballon d'Or 🐐 (@fcb10futbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/fcb10futbol/status/1301066459024519168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Remove Messi 
He’s a city player
— Ömar (@King__Umar) <a href="https://twitter.com/King__Umar/status/1301066520827703296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Wow, you really thought of putting Messi's pic on this? :P
— Palak Zatakia (@palakzat) <a href="https://twitter.com/palakzat/status/1301066562229559298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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FC Barcelona launched their new 2020-21 Stadium kits for sale today. The club took to Twitter to announce this news with a poster that featured players donning the new jersey.

FC Barcelona launched their new 2020-21 Stadium kits for sale today. The club took to Twitter to announce this news with a poster that featured players donning the new jersey. 👕 The 20/21 home 'Stadium' jersey is now available 🔵🔴 #OnlyForCulers — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 2, 2020 × However, Messi's presence in the poster raised a lot of questions and left the netizens puzzled. Some of the users were against the player's presence on the poster. Lionel Messi's decision to leave his club has sparked off a massive controversy involving the club's top brass. Last week, the player sent a buro-fax to Barcelona asking them to allow him to leave for free, as per an existing clause in his contract. However, Barcelona refuses to listen to Messi and are firm that the EUR 700 million release clause is still active and if the Argentine maestro has to leave the club then the full amount needs to be paid. Even La Liga jumped in between and issued a statement agreeing to Barcelona’s stance as the Spanish league said that the full release clause needs to be paid by any other team if they want to acquire Messi’s services. Here are the reactions: Is Messi Available? — Varun Shiralkar (@vrshiralkar) September 2, 2020 × Remove Messi from the posters and stop using him for clout — Setien Junior (@SonOfSetien) September 2, 2020 × Messi 🤔🤔 — 6️⃣ Ballon d'Or 🐐 (@fcb10futbol) September 2, 2020 × Remove Messi He’s a city player — Ömar (@King__Umar) September 2, 2020 × Wow, you really thought of putting Messi's pic on this? :P — Palak Zatakia (@palakzat) September 2, 2020 ×

Netizens puzzled after Barcelona launch 'Stadium' kit featuring Lionel Messi

The organisers of Spanish football league La Liga have announced the schedule for the 2020-21 season as the defending champions Real Madrid will witness a delayed start to their title defence.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-misses-first-pre-season-training-session-as-barcelona-stand-off-continues-324446" hreflang="en">Messi misses first pre-season training session as Barcelona stand-off continues</a>

According to Goal.com, Madrid will commence their campaign late as teams that participated in Champions League will sit out the opening week.&nbsp;

The fans will witness the first El Clasico of the season between Real Madrid and Barcelona on October 35 at the Camp Nou and the return leg of this fixture will then be held in April 2021, with the Catalan giants visiting the Santiago Bernabeu.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-difficult-jorge-gives-lionel-messi-verdict-ahead-of-talks-with-barcelonas-bartomeu-324715" hreflang="en">WATCH: 'Difficult...' - Jorge gives Lionel Messi verdict ahead of talks with Barcelona's Bartomeu</a>

Madrid's match with Getafe, Barcelona's clash against Elche, and Atletico Madrid's meeting with Sevilla will be postponed while the rest of the league will Kickoff on September 11 and 12. The defending champions will play their first match of the 2020-21 La Liga season against Real Sociedad, whereas, their arch-rivals Barcelona will begin their league campaign against &nbsp;Villarreal.

The Madrid derby between Real and Atletico will take place on December 12 at the Santiago Bernabeu with a return leg to be held on March 7 at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The season will conclude on May 23, 2021, and on the final matchday, Real Madrid will take on Villarreal while Barcelona will lock horns with SD Eibar.

The organisers of Spanish football league La Liga have announced the schedule for the 2020-21 season as the defending champions Real Madrid will witness a delayed start to their title defence.

The organisers of Spanish football league La Liga have announced the schedule for the 2020-21 season as the defending champions Real Madrid will witness a delayed start to their title defence. Also read: Messi misses first pre-season training session as Barcelona stand-off continues According to Goal.com, Madrid will commence their campaign late as teams that participated in Champions League will sit out the opening week. The fans will witness the first El Clasico of the season between Real Madrid and Barcelona on October 35 at the Camp Nou and the return leg of this fixture will then be held in April 2021, with the Catalan giants visiting the Santiago Bernabeu. Also read: WATCH: 'Difficult...' - Jorge gives Lionel Messi verdict ahead of talks with Barcelona's Bartomeu Madrid's match with Getafe, Barcelona's clash against Elche, and Atletico Madrid's meeting with Sevilla will be postponed while the rest of the league will Kickoff on September 11 and 12. The defending champions will play their first match of the 2020-21 La Liga season against Real Sociedad, whereas, their arch-rivals Barcelona will begin their league campaign against Villarreal. The Madrid derby between Real and Atletico will take place on December 12 at the Santiago Bernabeu with a return leg to be held on March 7 at the Wanda Metropolitano. The season will conclude on May 23, 2021, and on the final matchday, Real Madrid will take on Villarreal while Barcelona will lock horns with SD Eibar.

From El Clasicos to Madrid Derbies: La Liga schedule announced!

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi on Tuesday has asked to leave his club this summer.&nbsp;

The Argentine sent a fax to the club saying that he wants to exercise a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free with immediate effect.&nbsp;

However, Barcelona has said that the clause has expired and Lionel Messi will have to stay with the club until 2021 with a buy-out clause of 700 million euros as per the contract.

The board is set to meet soon. Some say that Messi could stay in the club if Barcelona's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, resigns, while the others feel that the player is determined to leave the club no matter what.&nbsp;

After the news broke, Barca fans protested against the board outside the Nou Camp and supported the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.&nbsp;

A legal battle is now set to follow between the club and the player.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
There were speculations that Barcelona's all-time scorer was eyeing an exit after the club faced its worst-ever defeat (8-2) to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals on August 16.

Barca legend Carlos Puyol tweeted to support Messi. He said: "Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend," to which current team-mate Luis Suarez replied with two clapping emojis.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi on Tuesday has asked to leave his club this summer. The Argentine sent a fax to the club saying that he wants to exercise a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free with immediate effect.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi on Tuesday has asked to leave his club this summer. The Argentine sent a fax to the club saying that he wants to exercise a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for free with immediate effect. However, Barcelona has said that the clause has expired and Lionel Messi will have to stay with the club until 2021 with a buy-out clause of 700 million euros as per the contract. The board is set to meet soon. Some say that Messi could stay in the club if Barcelona's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, resigns, while the others feel that the player is determined to leave the club no matter what. After the news broke, Barca fans protested against the board outside the Nou Camp and supported the six-time Ballon d'Or winner. A legal battle is now set to follow between the club and the player. There were speculations that Barcelona's all-time scorer was eyeing an exit after the club faced its worst-ever defeat (8-2) to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals on August 16. Barca legend Carlos Puyol tweeted to support Messi. He said: "Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend," to which current team-mate Luis Suarez replied with two clapping emojis.

Lionel Messi hands in his transfer request to Barcelona

One of the longest-running player and club associations in modern football is about to come to an end. After months of simmering tensions with Barcelona's hierarchy, Lionel Messi has told the Spanish giants that he wants to leave immediately and for free.

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 bombshell is a massive blow for an already beleaguered club - and Messi's transfer request has put some of Europe's most high-profile teams on high alert.

Lionel Messi terrorising opposition, who scores a bucket-load of goals and led Barcelona to club football's biggest titles.

But apparently no more, late on Tuesday night, the 33-year-old argentine dropped a bombshell on the already beleaguered Spanish giants. Telling them that he was done with the club that he had joined as a kid 20 years ago.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-hands-in-his-transfer-request-to-barcelona-323113" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi hands in his transfer request to Barcelona</a>

On August 18, Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barcelona president said: "I think Messi has created an era at barcelona. The Messi era evidently started many years ago, and within this Messi era there are different cycles. I agree a cycle has come to an end and a new one is about to start. But all are part of the Messi era."

In pics:&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>

Only a week ago, Barcelona president had proclaimed in public that Messi would end his career at the club. But in reality, the six-time world player of the year had put contract negotiations on hold in December itself - having grown increasingly frustrated with the club's dealings both on and off the pitch.

He publically took on the club's former sporting director Eric Abidal for suggesting the players were to blame for the sacking of manager Ernesto Valverde in December.

He also clashed with the club's board members over comments that suggested that the players were unwilling to accept pay cuts to help Barcelona tide over football's shutdown at the height of the pandemic

The failed big-money transfers of the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann were also a sticky point...

While Messi's assertion that the squad was not good enough to win the champions league was proved right with the humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Barcelona sacked Setien and appointed a club legend in Ronald Koeman to begin a rebuild. But the club's public position that the likes of Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba could be moved on appear to have convinced Messi that it is time to go.

What has caught the club off-guard however is Messi asking for a free transfer. The Argentine has triggered a clause in his contract that allowed him to do so this year, but one that Barcelona believed had expired in June.

But Messi's legal team has a different view - and there is every likelihood that the matter could end in a protracted court challenge.

This despite Messi receiving the backing of many of the club's past and present players.

There is certainly no shortage of suitors for one of the greatest to have ever played the game - despite his astronomical wages.

Messi's statistics at Barcelona are nothing short of extra-ordinary - 731 games, 634 goals, 285 assists, 48 hat-tricks and a host of individual honours.

His career has coincided with the most successful era in the club's history - 34 major trophies over 16 years that includes 10 Spanish La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions Leagues and several other cup triumphs.

Manchester City could lure Messi to the Premier League - with a world-class squad and their former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola.

The finances also appear to be no bar for PSG, where Messi could be tempted by a Neymar reunion and a chance to play in a front three also featuring Mbappe.&nbsp;

While Antonio Conte's Inter Milan have reportedly been cosying up to Messi for a year for exactly this sort of eventuality.

But where he ends up at any of these clubs, or even somewhere else - only time will tell. One thing appears certain - the Messi-Barcelona love affair is over.

One of the longest-running player and club associations in modern football is about to come to an end. After months of simmering tensions with Barcelona's hierarchy, Lionel Messi has told the Spanish giants that he wants to leave immediately and for free.

One of the longest-running player and club associations in modern football is about to come to an end. After months of simmering tensions with Barcelona's hierarchy, Lionel Messi has told the Spanish giants that he wants to leave immediately and for free. In pics: Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club The bombshell is a massive blow for an already beleaguered club - and Messi's transfer request has put some of Europe's most high-profile teams on high alert. Lionel Messi terrorising opposition, who scores a bucket-load of goals and led Barcelona to club football's biggest titles. But apparently no more, late on Tuesday night, the 33-year-old argentine dropped a bombshell on the already beleaguered Spanish giants. Telling them that he was done with the club that he had joined as a kid 20 years ago. Also read: Lionel Messi hands in his transfer request to Barcelona On August 18, Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barcelona president said: "I think Messi has created an era at barcelona. The Messi era evidently started many years ago, and within this Messi era there are different cycles. I agree a cycle has come to an end and a new one is about to start. But all are part of the Messi era." In pics: What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures Only a week ago, Barcelona president had proclaimed in public that Messi would end his career at the club. But in reality, the six-time world player of the year had put contract negotiations on hold in December itself - having grown increasingly frustrated with the club's dealings both on and off the pitch. He publically took on the club's former sporting director Eric Abidal for suggesting the players were to blame for the sacking of manager Ernesto Valverde in December. He also clashed with the club's board members over comments that suggested that the players were unwilling to accept pay cuts to help Barcelona tide over football's shutdown at the height of the pandemic The failed big-money transfers of the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann were also a sticky point... While Messi's assertion that the squad was not good enough to win the champions league was proved right with the humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Barcelona sacked Setien and appointed a club legend in Ronald Koeman to begin a rebuild. But the club's public position that the likes of Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba could be moved on appear to have convinced Messi that it is time to go. What has caught the club off-guard however is Messi asking for a free transfer. The Argentine has triggered a clause in his contract that allowed him to do so this year, but one that Barcelona believed had expired in June. But Messi's legal team has a different view - and there is every likelihood that the matter could end in a protracted court challenge. This despite Messi receiving the backing of many of the club's past and present players. There is certainly no shortage of suitors for one of the greatest to have ever played the game - despite his astronomical wages. Messi's statistics at Barcelona are nothing short of extra-ordinary - 731 games, 634 goals, 285 assists, 48 hat-tricks and a host of individual honours. His career has coincided with the most successful era in the club's history - 34 major trophies over 16 years that includes 10 Spanish La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions Leagues and several other cup triumphs. Manchester City could lure Messi to the Premier League - with a world-class squad and their former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola. The finances also appear to be no bar for PSG, where Messi could be tempted by a Neymar reunion and a chance to play in a front three also featuring Mbappe. While Antonio Conte's Inter Milan have reportedly been cosying up to Messi for a year for exactly this sort of eventuality. But where he ends up at any of these clubs, or even somewhere else - only time will tell. One thing appears certain - the Messi-Barcelona love affair is over.

Messi-Barcelona love affair over?  Barca legend drops bombshell on club

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

Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who joined from Italian champions Juventus this summer, said on Sunday that he is "fine" after his new club revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus.

"Fortunately, I am fine and asymptomatic," Pjanic wrote on Instagram.

"But if there's something I've learned, it's that we must never take anything for granted, not even the things we think of as being the most normal.

"The lives we are living now teach us that."

Barca had announced earlier on Sunday that Pjanic had tested positive after feeling "a little unwell", adding that he was in "good health" and self-isolating at home.

Pjanic will "not be travelling to Barcelona for 15 days, when he will be expected to report for duty with the FC Barcelona team," Barca's statement said.

The Bosnia international, who is reported to be on holiday in Italy, will therefore miss the start of pre-season training on August 31 under new coach Ronald Koeman.&nbsp;

The 2020-21 La Liga campaign is due to begin September 12.

Pjanic, 30, was signed in June by Barca for 60 million euros ($70.7 million) as part of an arrangement which saw Brazilian midfielder Arthur move in the opposite direction for 72 million euros.&nbsp;

He is the third Barca player to test positive for COVID-19 following French defensive pair Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair Todibo.

Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who joined from Italian champions Juventus this summer, said on Sunday that he is "fine" after his new club revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus.

Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who joined from Italian champions Juventus this summer, said on Sunday that he is "fine" after his new club revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus. "Fortunately, I am fine and asymptomatic," Pjanic wrote on Instagram. "But if there's something I've learned, it's that we must never take anything for granted, not even the things we think of as being the most normal. "The lives we are living now teach us that." Barca had announced earlier on Sunday that Pjanic had tested positive after feeling "a little unwell", adding that he was in "good health" and self-isolating at home. Pjanic will "not be travelling to Barcelona for 15 days, when he will be expected to report for duty with the FC Barcelona team," Barca's statement said. The Bosnia international, who is reported to be on holiday in Italy, will therefore miss the start of pre-season training on August 31 under new coach Ronald Koeman. The 2020-21 La Liga campaign is due to begin September 12. Pjanic, 30, was signed in June by Barca for 60 million euros ($70.7 million) as part of an arrangement which saw Brazilian midfielder Arthur move in the opposite direction for 72 million euros. He is the third Barca player to test positive for COVID-19 following French defensive pair Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair Todibo.

Barca newcomer Pjanic 'fine' after positive coronavirus test

From Real Madrid to Barcelona: Top 5 football clubs with most Champions League trophies!

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Messi has been on vacation since Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final but held talks with Koeman in relation to club’s future and his position within the team.

As per a report in RAC1, Messi returned to Barcelona to have a word with Koeman, who is keen for him to stay and fulfil his contract which runs till 2021 season. However, Messi told Koeman that he was ‘more out than in’ after Barcelona’s first trophyless season in 12 years.

Notably, Messi has a whopping £630million (€700m) release clause at Barcelona and still has one year to go in his contract. And it will be near to impossible for any club to pay that sort of amount amid COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/show-commitment-or-leave-ronald-koeman-promises-to-revive-barcelona-321970" hreflang="en">Show commitment or leave: Ronald Koeman promises to revive Barcelona</a>

While Koeman, during his presentation as new Barca manager, admitted that he wants ‘the best player in the world’ Messi to stay at the club, the Dutchman added that he wants players who are fully determined and committed. Even Bartomeu has said that Messi wants to retire at the club, contrary to reports floating in media.

“He is a Barcelona player. He has another year. I don’t know if I have to convince him to stay,” Koeman had said on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-true-final-of-champions-awaits-in-lisbon-321975" hreflang="en">A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon</a>

"He has a contract until 2021. I talk to him regularly and he knows there's a project with a new coach here. We're all disappointed at the moment, but we're motivated by the new project."His father told me that there was a strong disappointment. This is correct, but since Sunday we have to think about the future. It's about changing the mentality," Bartomeu said.

However, if Messi decides to leave Barcelona then it will arguably the biggest transfer news of all-time. 
&nbsp;

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Messi has been on vacation since Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final but held talks with Koeman in relation to club’s future and his position within the team. As per a report in RAC1, Messi returned to Barcelona to have a word with Koeman, who is keen for him to stay and fulfil his contract which runs till 2021 season. However, Messi told Koeman that he was ‘more out than in’ after Barcelona’s first trophyless season in 12 years. Notably, Messi has a whopping £630million (€700m) release clause at Barcelona and still has one year to go in his contract. And it will be near to impossible for any club to pay that sort of amount amid COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Show commitment or leave: Ronald Koeman promises to revive Barcelona While Koeman, during his presentation as new Barca manager, admitted that he wants ‘the best player in the world’ Messi to stay at the club, the Dutchman added that he wants players who are fully determined and committed. Even Bartomeu has said that Messi wants to retire at the club, contrary to reports floating in media. “He is a Barcelona player. He has another year. I don’t know if I have to convince him to stay,” Koeman had said on Wednesday. ALSO READ: A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon "He has a contract until 2021. I talk to him regularly and he knows there's a project with a new coach here. We're all disappointed at the moment, but we're motivated by the new project."His father told me that there was a strong disappointment. This is correct, but since Sunday we have to think about the future. It's about changing the mentality," Bartomeu said. However, if Messi decides to leave Barcelona then it will arguably the biggest transfer news of all-time.

Lionel Messi considering future at Barcelona, tells Ronald Koeman he's 'more out than in'

Ronald Koeman is set to become Barcelona’s next coach and the Dutchman will construct his team around Lionel Messi, president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Tuesday.

Koeman, who is revered by Barca fans for delivering their first European Cup as a player, will be expected to lead the club’s rebuilding work after they were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last Friday.

“If there is no change then we will announce Koeman as our next coach and he will lead this team and these players forward with a different type of project, led by a coach who all Barca fans know,” Bartomeu said in an interview with the club’s official television channel.

Koeman’s imminent arrival will be the third phase of a restructuring of the club which began with Quique Setien’s sacking on Monday and continued on Tuesday as sporting director Eric Abidal agreed to terminate his contract.

Koeman, 57, arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday after spending the morning at the Netherlands’ headquarters to negotiate being released from his contract with the national team, who he has coached since 2018 and led to qualify for Euro 2020.

Koeman is fondly remembered at Barca for the role he played in Johan Cruyff’s hugely successful side known as the ‘Dream Team’ and for scoring the only goal against Sampdoria in the 1992 European Cup final.

The defender later became the club’s assistant coach before embarking on an eventful career as a head coach, managing Dutch sides Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord plus Premier League teams Southampton and Everton and La Liga’s Valencia.

“We are betting on him because we know him very well, we know how he thinks and how his teams play, but also because of his experience and as he was in Johan’s ‘Dream Team’ he knows Barca and how we understand football,” Bartomeu added.

Bartomeu also said captain Messi was not about to leave the club and would be an integral part of the team under Koeman.

“Messi wants to end his career at Barca, he has said that many times. I’ve spoken to Koeman about him and he has told me Messi will be the pillar of his project,” Bartomeu said.

“Messi has a contract with Barca until 2021. I speak to him and his father regularly and they know that we have a solid project, that a new coach is coming and that he will count on him.”

Bartomeu, who on Monday announced that the club’s presidential elections will take place in March 2021, three months earlier than planned, also defended his running of the club after facing calls to resign after the defeat by Bayern.

“We have a sporting crisis but not an institutional one,” he added.

“We’ve had a very negative result in the Champions League but the club is in a good place in a social and financial sense.”

Ronald Koeman is set to become Barcelona’s next coach and the Dutchman will construct his team around Lionel Messi, president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Tuesday.

Ronald Koeman is set to become Barcelona’s next coach and the Dutchman will construct his team around Lionel Messi, president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Tuesday. Koeman, who is revered by Barca fans for delivering their first European Cup as a player, will be expected to lead the club’s rebuilding work after they were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals last Friday. “If there is no change then we will announce Koeman as our next coach and he will lead this team and these players forward with a different type of project, led by a coach who all Barca fans know,” Bartomeu said in an interview with the club’s official television channel. Koeman’s imminent arrival will be the third phase of a restructuring of the club which began with Quique Setien’s sacking on Monday and continued on Tuesday as sporting director Eric Abidal agreed to terminate his contract. Koeman, 57, arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday after spending the morning at the Netherlands’ headquarters to negotiate being released from his contract with the national team, who he has coached since 2018 and led to qualify for Euro 2020. Koeman is fondly remembered at Barca for the role he played in Johan Cruyff’s hugely successful side known as the ‘Dream Team’ and for scoring the only goal against Sampdoria in the 1992 European Cup final. The defender later became the club’s assistant coach before embarking on an eventful career as a head coach, managing Dutch sides Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord plus Premier League teams Southampton and Everton and La Liga’s Valencia. “We are betting on him because we know him very well, we know how he thinks and how his teams play, but also because of his experience and as he was in Johan’s ‘Dream Team’ he knows Barca and how we understand football,” Bartomeu added. Bartomeu also said captain Messi was not about to leave the club and would be an integral part of the team under Koeman. “Messi wants to end his career at Barca, he has said that many times. I’ve spoken to Koeman about him and he has told me Messi will be the pillar of his project,” Bartomeu said. “Messi has a contract with Barca until 2021. I speak to him and his father regularly and they know that we have a solid project, that a new coach is coming and that he will count on him.” Bartomeu, who on Monday announced that the club’s presidential elections will take place in March 2021, three months earlier than planned, also defended his running of the club after facing calls to resign after the defeat by Bayern. “We have a sporting crisis but not an institutional one,” he added. “We’ve had a very negative result in the Champions League but the club is in a good place in a social and financial sense.”

Koeman will be Barca's next coach, Messi to stay - president

Barcelona on Wednesday confirmed the signing of former player Ronald Koeman as the new manager to replace Quique Setien following a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in UEFA Champions League. Barcelona are looking to make a transition to a new phase as they sacked Setien and sporting director Eric Abidal to start the process while luring Koeman to come back to the Nou Camp.

Koeman’s contract with Barcelona will run until 2022 as the Dutchman leaves his post as the head coach of the Netherlands national team to take over the charge at the Catalan club.

Barcelona released an official statement which reads: "FC Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have reached an agreement for the Dutchman to take over as first-team coach until 30 June 2022.

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🙌 Welcome home, <a href="https://twitter.com/RonaldKoeman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonaldKoeman</a>! 
💙❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoemanCuler?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoemanCuler</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1296016814602952705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-could-miss-champions-league-final-for-breaking-uefas-covid-19-protocol-321635" hreflang="en">Neymar could miss Champions League final for breaking UEFA's COVID-19 protocol</a>

"The Blaugrana legend, hero of Wembley, the man who handed Barca their first-ever victory in the European Cup returns to Camp Nou.&nbsp;

"This time, however, he will do so as coach as the Dutchman brings more than 20 years of experience as a manager and eight trophies on his CV.

"Ronald Koeman comes to FC Barcelona after coaching in the Premier League, La Liga, the Dutch league, the Portuguese league and also on the international stage with the Netherlands."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/koeman-will-be-barcas-next-coach-messi-to-stay-president-321617" hreflang="en">Koeman will be Barca's next coach, Messi to stay - president</a>

Koeman reacted to his stint with the Netherlands while saying that Barcelona have always been his dream club.&nbsp;

“It was an honour to be the national coach of the Netherlands," said the 57-year-old. "For the past two-and-a-half years I have done everything I can to achieve successes with Oranje.

"I look back with pride on what we have achieved together in that period. The Dutch national team has a bright future, I am convinced of that.

"Everyone knows that Barcelona is my dream club. It feels very special to me to be able to become a coach there."

Koeman, regarded as Barcelona legend and one of the finest to have taken to the field, played for the club between 1989 and 1995 winning four league titles and the European Cup, in which he scored the winning goal in the final against Sampdoria.

The Dutchman returns to club management since leaving English club Everton in 2018 and will be looking to find the lost glory of Barcelona.

Barcelona on Wednesday confirmed the signing of former player Ronald Koeman as the new manager to replace Quique Setien following a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona on Wednesday confirmed the signing of former player Ronald Koeman as the new manager to replace Quique Setien following a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in UEFA Champions League. Barcelona are looking to make a transition to a new phase as they sacked Setien and sporting director Eric Abidal to start the process while luring Koeman to come back to the Nou Camp. Koeman’s contract with Barcelona will run until 2022 as the Dutchman leaves his post as the head coach of the Netherlands national team to take over the charge at the Catalan club. Barcelona released an official statement which reads: "FC Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have reached an agreement for the Dutchman to take over as first-team coach until 30 June 2022. 🙌 Welcome home, @RonaldKoeman! 💙❤️ #KoemanCuler — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 19, 2020 × ALSO READ: Neymar could miss Champions League final for breaking UEFA's COVID-19 protocol "The Blaugrana legend, hero of Wembley, the man who handed Barca their first-ever victory in the European Cup returns to Camp Nou. "This time, however, he will do so as coach as the Dutchman brings more than 20 years of experience as a manager and eight trophies on his CV. "Ronald Koeman comes to FC Barcelona after coaching in the Premier League, La Liga, the Dutch league, the Portuguese league and also on the international stage with the Netherlands." ALSO READ: Koeman will be Barca's next coach, Messi to stay - president Koeman reacted to his stint with the Netherlands while saying that Barcelona have always been his dream club. “It was an honour to be the national coach of the Netherlands," said the 57-year-old. "For the past two-and-a-half years I have done everything I can to achieve successes with Oranje. "I look back with pride on what we have achieved together in that period. The Dutch national team has a bright future, I am convinced of that. "Everyone knows that Barcelona is my dream club. It feels very special to me to be able to become a coach there." Koeman, regarded as Barcelona legend and one of the finest to have taken to the field, played for the club between 1989 and 1995 winning four league titles and the European Cup, in which he scored the winning goal in the final against Sampdoria. The Dutchman returns to club management since leaving English club Everton in 2018 and will be looking to find the lost glory of Barcelona.

Ronald Koeman appointed new Barcelona manager

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