Shockwaves in Barcelona as Leo Messi rejects a renewal contract [Marca]

Leo Messi

Leo Messi rejects a Barcelona contract

Could the unthinkable happen?

Could Leo Messi actually leave FC Barcelona to join another top club?

That’s a real possibility on Monday morning, according to the story peddled by Spanish daily Marca.

The paper’s splash features Messi in his Catalan gear, while the headlines tells readers that back in July Messi said no to a renewal offer from Barca.

A key reason for Messi’s decision related to his tax fraud legal issues.

Marca also noted that while Messi has every intention of fulfilling his current contract, which extends until 2018, it’s unclear what will happen after that. Barca hope the Argentine reconsiders his future, but currently there are no guarantees.

Marca: Messi rejects Barcelona

Details of Messi’s decision

Marca go into detail about how Messi reached his decision on not agreeing a contract renewal.

They report the decision was made in the second week of July, when Leo was vacationing with his family on a yacht.

Rather than relaying the decision directly to the club, Messi spoke to his father and advisors, who in turn acted as messengers.

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu is said to have received the news with “understandable shock”, however he’s since managed to remain calm.

It’s clear that Barca are preparing to return to the negotiating table with Messi in the near future, but there’s doubt as to whether the player will change his mind.

Marca loosely link Messi with a possible move to Man City, however there’s no good evidence to support that transfer story at the moment.

Watch. This. Space.

Also see: London meet-up for the partners of Leo Messi & Cesc Fabregas [Instagram]