Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the club on Tuesday ahead of a vote of no confidence that was due to be held next month after some 20,000 fans signed a petition demanding that he step down. The rest of the board of directors also resigned.

“It’s a thought-out, serene, informed decision” to resign, Bartomeu said in a televised speech.

Bartomeu, 57, has been facing growing resentment in the last year due to the club’s worsening finances and the team’s decline on the pitch, which came to a head with their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals in August.

He has been widely criticised after talisman forward Lionel Messi requested a transfer following the Champions League humiliation and was facing a vote of no confidence from the club’s ‘socios’.

He had tried to convince the Catalan government to scrap the censure vote due to the coronavirus pandemic but it would not budge.

Bartomeu called the government’s decision irresponsible in his speech, while thanking the club and saying he could not have resigned earlier.

“The easiest thing after the Champions (League defeat) was to resign, but one had to take decisions amid an unprecedented global crisis,” he said, adding that later on, in the wake of the Messi spat, he could not let the club be run by external, temporary figures.

“Who would have ensured that Messi stayed? Who would have hired a new coach?” said Bartomeu, who took over at Barcelona from Sandro Rosell in 2014.

Messi handed Barca an official notice in August of his desire to terminate his contract before eventually deciding to stay for this season, the last on his current deal, because he did not want to face a legal battle with the club.

After rowing back on his decision to leave, the Argentine continued to attack Bartomeu in a September interview, when he described his stewardship of the club as a “disaster”. He also criticised Barca for their treatment of Luis Suarez, who left the club for Atletico Madrid.

On the pitch, Barca’s struggles have continued into the new campaign after they ended last season trophyless.

Having appointed their former player Ronald Koeman as manager in the close season, Barca have won only two of their opening five league games and lost 3-1 at home to rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the club on Tuesday ahead of a vote of no confidence that was due to be held next month after some 20,000 fans signed a petition demanding that he step down.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned from the club on Tuesday ahead of a vote of no confidence that was due to be held next month after some 20,000 fans signed a petition demanding that he step down. The rest of the board of directors also resigned. “It’s a thought-out, serene, informed decision” to resign, Bartomeu said in a televised speech. Bartomeu, 57, has been facing growing resentment in the last year due to the club’s worsening finances and the team’s decline on the pitch, which came to a head with their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals in August. He has been widely criticised after talisman forward Lionel Messi requested a transfer following the Champions League humiliation and was facing a vote of no confidence from the club’s ‘socios’. He had tried to convince the Catalan government to scrap the censure vote due to the coronavirus pandemic but it would not budge. Bartomeu called the government’s decision irresponsible in his speech, while thanking the club and saying he could not have resigned earlier. “The easiest thing after the Champions (League defeat) was to resign, but one had to take decisions amid an unprecedented global crisis,” he said, adding that later on, in the wake of the Messi spat, he could not let the club be run by external, temporary figures. “Who would have ensured that Messi stayed? Who would have hired a new coach?” said Bartomeu, who took over at Barcelona from Sandro Rosell in 2014. Messi handed Barca an official notice in August of his desire to terminate his contract before eventually deciding to stay for this season, the last on his current deal, because he did not want to face a legal battle with the club. After rowing back on his decision to leave, the Argentine continued to attack Bartomeu in a September interview, when he described his stewardship of the club as a “disaster”. He also criticised Barca for their treatment of Luis Suarez, who left the club for Atletico Madrid. On the pitch, Barca’s struggles have continued into the new campaign after they ended last season trophyless. Having appointed their former player Ronald Koeman as manager in the close season, Barca have won only two of their opening five league games and lost 3-1 at home to rivals Real Madrid on Saturday.

Barcelona president Bartomeu resigns after Messi row

Barcelona president Jose Maria Bartomeu has said that Lionel Messi will stay and end his prolific career in the club. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-star-lionel-messi-becomes-first-player-in-la-liga-to-score-20-assists-and-20-goals-313005" hreflang="en">Barcelona star Lionel Messi becomes first player in La Liga to score 20 assists and 20 goals</a>

He said: "With Messi we talk, we have talked and we will talk. He is the best player in football history, he has years of football ahead and he is in top form. I have no doubt that he will continue at Barça, his future is here in football and after football."

The 33-year-old's current contract will expire by 2021. Earlier, some reports suggested that Lionel Messi was set to leave his childhood club after he called off contract renewal talks Barcelona. The Catalonia giant could bid farewell to their all-time top scorer at the end of next season if Messi does not renew his contract.

According to Cadena SER, Lionel Messi is frustrated with the team's performance and furious with the top management of the club.&nbsp;

Sports news website ESPN has said that "sources have confirmed" Messi was angry at the reports that were leaked to media saying that he was responsible for club's problems.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mourinho-eyes-third-europa-league-title-with-tottenham-hotspurs-313000" hreflang="en">Mourinho eyes third Europa League title with Tottenham Hotspurs</a>

Luis Garcia, a former Spanish footballer, while speaking to La Liga said that Argentine star will play until 2025. He said: "Why not? The way he is playing, adapting his style to the game is impressive."

"Every year he shows us something different but keeps up the same amount of goals, of assists. Even getting more every year!

"He's adapting, he doesn't spend so much time upfront because he knows it's harder, so he drops a little more. &nbsp;He shows why he's so intelligent. He adapts his game to what the team needs in every game.&nbsp;

"I could see him playing in 2025, easily!"

The Barca star has added another feather to his cap after becoming the first player in the Spanish League to score 20 assists and goals in the same season. He achieved this feat after assisting Arturo Vidal during the match against Real Valladolid.

He is the first player to score 20 assists in a season since Xavi who did it during 2008-09 season. But no player has scored 20 goals alongside in the Spanish top-flight until now.

Barcelona president Jose Maria Bartomeu has said that Lionel Messi will stay and end his prolific career in the club. Also read: Barcelona star Lionel Messi becomes first player in La Liga to score 20 assists and 20 goals He said: "With Messi we talk, we have talked and we will talk.

Barcelona president Jose Maria Bartomeu has said that Lionel Messi will stay and end his prolific career in the club. Also read: Barcelona star Lionel Messi becomes first player in La Liga to score 20 assists and 20 goals He said: "With Messi we talk, we have talked and we will talk. He is the best player in football history, he has years of football ahead and he is in top form. I have no doubt that he will continue at Barça, his future is here in football and after football." The 33-year-old's current contract will expire by 2021. Earlier, some reports suggested that Lionel Messi was set to leave his childhood club after he called off contract renewal talks Barcelona. The Catalonia giant could bid farewell to their all-time top scorer at the end of next season if Messi does not renew his contract. According to Cadena SER, Lionel Messi is frustrated with the team's performance and furious with the top management of the club. Sports news website ESPN has said that "sources have confirmed" Messi was angry at the reports that were leaked to media saying that he was responsible for club's problems. Also read: Mourinho eyes third Europa League title with Tottenham Hotspurs Luis Garcia, a former Spanish footballer, while speaking to La Liga said that Argentine star will play until 2025. He said: "Why not? The way he is playing, adapting his style to the game is impressive." "Every year he shows us something different but keeps up the same amount of goals, of assists. Even getting more every year! "He's adapting, he doesn't spend so much time upfront because he knows it's harder, so he drops a little more. He shows why he's so intelligent. He adapts his game to what the team needs in every game. "I could see him playing in 2025, easily!" The Barca star has added another feather to his cap after becoming the first player in the Spanish League to score 20 assists and goals in the same season. He achieved this feat after assisting Arturo Vidal during the match against Real Valladolid. He is the first player to score 20 assists in a season since Xavi who did it during 2008-09 season. But no player has scored 20 goals alongside in the Spanish top-flight until now.

Barcelona president Bartomeu sure about Lionel Messi's future in club

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi gave an exclusive interview to Spanish football news agency 'Mundo Deportivo' where he said that things are "strange" in the Catalonian club after the Barcelona's social media scandal.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">Lionel Messi targets Abidal fueling Barcelona exit rumours</a>

The social media scandal revolves around reports which were published in Spain this week that claimed that the Catalan side hired a PR company (I3 Ventures) &nbsp;to create social media accounts that would help boost the reputation of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu while at the same time tarnishing those of a host of figures linked to Barca, including Messi, Gerard Pique, Xavi and former manager Pep Guardiola.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lewis-hamilton-lionel-messi-simon-biles-score-big-at-laureus-awards-checkout-the-list-of-winners-281277">Lewis Hamilton, Lionel Messi, Simon Biles score big at Laureus Awards, here's the list of winners!</a>

Barcelona issued a statement denying these allegations, they admitted hiring I3 Ventures but denied allegations about tarnishing players' image.&nbsp;

Josep Maria Bartomeu called in a meeting with all captains and coach Quique Setien. Messi told the news agency on what happened in the meeting, he said: “The president told us the same thing he said in public - the same thing he said at the press conference. What was the situation, what had happened and I can't say much more.&nbsp;Just as you know everything he said, he told the captains the same in private.

He added that such events are strange, "It's weird that something like this happens, but they also said that there would be evidence. We will have to wait to see if it is true or not. We cannot say much and we will wait to see what happens with all of this. I really thought it was a strange subject."

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner said that he loves Barcelona and would love to stay there for a long time.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi gave an exclusive interview to Spanish football news agency 'Mundo Deportivo' where he said that things are "strange" in the Catalonian club after the Barcelona's social media scandal.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi gave an exclusive interview to Spanish football news agency 'Mundo Deportivo' where he said that things are "strange" in the Catalonian club after the Barcelona's social media scandal. Also read: Lionel Messi targets Abidal fueling Barcelona exit rumours The social media scandal revolves around reports which were published in Spain this week that claimed that the Catalan side hired a PR company (I3 Ventures) to create social media accounts that would help boost the reputation of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu while at the same time tarnishing those of a host of figures linked to Barca, including Messi, Gerard Pique, Xavi and former manager Pep Guardiola. Also see: Lewis Hamilton, Lionel Messi, Simon Biles score big at Laureus Awards, here's the list of winners! Barcelona issued a statement denying these allegations, they admitted hiring I3 Ventures but denied allegations about tarnishing players' image. Josep Maria Bartomeu called in a meeting with all captains and coach Quique Setien. Messi told the news agency on what happened in the meeting, he said: “The president told us the same thing he said in public - the same thing he said at the press conference. What was the situation, what had happened and I can't say much more. Just as you know everything he said, he told the captains the same in private. He added that such events are strange, "It's weird that something like this happens, but they also said that there would be evidence. We will have to wait to see if it is true or not. We cannot say much and we will wait to see what happens with all of this. I really thought it was a strange subject." The six-time Ballon d'Or winner said that he loves Barcelona and would love to stay there for a long time.

Lionel Messi confesses he sees 'weird things happening' at Barcelona

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu sought to clarify the club&#39;s position on Lionel Messi&#39;s future on Saturday following a week of institutional upheaval by declaring that renewing the Argentine maestro&#39;s contract was &quot;indispensable&quot;.

&quot;We want Leo to stay here, we want him to renew with us and he&#39;s very important for the club and for Barca. We&#39;re working hard on it and when two people want the same thing there&#39;s always a happy ending,&quot; Bartomeu told Catalan network TV3.

Messi scored for the seventh game in a row as the champions thrashed Las Palmas 5-0 in La Liga on Saturday, barely 24 hours after the club demoted director Pere Gratacos for saying Messi would not be the player he is without his Barcelona teammates.

Earlier in the week, the club&#39;s CEO Oscar Grau had also generated intrigue about Messi&#39;s future by declaring Barca needed to use &quot;common sense&quot; when discussing a new contract for their all-time top scorer, whose current deal runs out in 2018.

&quot;I want to ease everyone&#39;s nerves,&quot; added Bartomeu. &quot;We&#39;ve been having conversations (with Messi) and it&#39;s only a matter of time. When there&#39;s any news we&#39;ll announce it, but we always conduct these matters with discretion.

&quot;I can&#39;t explain the details but we&#39;re speaking with his people. He&#39;s the best player in the world, we want him to stay here and so does he. He&#39;s very happy at Barcelona. It&#39;s an indispensable matter for us.&quot;

Bartomeu also explained that Gratacos had been removed from his role as Director of Institutional Relations but remained at the club, and said Grau&#39;s comments had been misinterpreted.

&quot;His words were taken out of context but we&#39;re used to that. Common sense says we have to renew Messi&#39;s (deal). He is the best player in the history of football, a leader and the best in the world. His importance cannot be questioned,&quot; he added.

Messi&#39;s strike partner and close friend Luis Suarez said there was no problem with the five-time World Player of the Year.

&quot;The media always make things into a soap opera and everything gets misinterpreted,&quot; noted the Uruguayan, who is the joint top scorer in La Liga along with Messi.

&quot;He wants to stay and the club knows what it has to do.&quot;

(Reuters)

'We want Leo to stay here, we want him to renew with us and he's very important for the club and for Barca,' Josep Maria Bartomeu said

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu sought to clarify the club's position on Lionel Messi's future on Saturday following a week of institutional upheaval by declaring that renewing the Argentine maestro's contract was "indispensable". "We want Leo to stay here, we want him to renew with us and he's very important for the club and for Barca. We're working hard on it and when two people want the same thing there's always a happy ending," Bartomeu told Catalan network TV3. Messi scored for the seventh game in a row as the champions thrashed Las Palmas 5-0 in La Liga on Saturday, barely 24 hours after the club demoted director Pere Gratacos for saying Messi would not be the player he is without his Barcelona teammates. Earlier in the week, the club's CEO Oscar Grau had also generated intrigue about Messi's future by declaring Barca needed to use "common sense" when discussing a new contract for their all-time top scorer, whose current deal runs out in 2018. "I want to ease everyone's nerves," added Bartomeu. "We've been having conversations (with Messi) and it's only a matter of time. When there's any news we'll announce it, but we always conduct these matters with discretion. "I can't explain the details but we're speaking with his people. He's the best player in the world, we want him to stay here and so does he. He's very happy at Barcelona. It's an indispensable matter for us." Bartomeu also explained that Gratacos had been removed from his role as Director of Institutional Relations but remained at the club, and said Grau's comments had been misinterpreted. "His words were taken out of context but we're used to that. Common sense says we have to renew Messi's (deal). He is the best player in the history of football, a leader and the best in the world. His importance cannot be questioned," he added. Messi's strike partner and close friend Luis Suarez said there was no problem with the five-time World Player of the Year. "The media always make things into a soap opera and everything gets misinterpreted," noted the Uruguayan, who is the joint top scorer in La Liga along with Messi. "He wants to stay and the club knows what it has to do." (Reuters)

Messi indispensable to Barcelona: Club president

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