Barcelona have reportedly replied to Lionel Messi's request to leave the club urging him to stay put - or else face a potentially highly complicated legal battle.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner sent a burofax to the club on Tuesday breaking the news that he wants to leave immediately following 16 glorious years at the Nou Camp.
Messi's contract states that he can leave on a free at the end of any season if he wishes, and the 33-year-old stated his intentions to do so via the fax.
However, there is some debate over when the clause in his contract expires, with Barcelona believing he is unable to activate it after June.
Read more on mirror.co.uk