It seems as though Lionel Messi has made up his mind. He wants to leave Barcelona and he wants to leave now.

Messi is known for making rash decisions, especially after bad football games. He retired from international football after Argentina lost the Copa America final in 2016 (he unretired soon after). Now Messi asked to leave Barcelona after they lost 8-2 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final. On the surface, the decision may seem a bit rash BUT, this time, it’s a bit different.

Messi has beef with Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu and he isn’t keen on new head coach Ronald Koeman.

Last week Messi threw his toys out the pram and demanded a transfer elsewhere. After taking a deep breath and standing in a corner for a few moments, Messi has remembered to say please.

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The internet streets say Lionel Messi has asked the club twice for a friendly exit. He doesn’t want to face a lawsuit against the club he loves. Barcelona sacked their law firm Cuatrecasas for advising Messi on an exit strategy for leaving the club so it seems Lionel Messi has legal options. However, Barcelona are said to legally refute the standing of this claim and they will not allow him to leave the club unless his €700m release clause is activated by another club.

It’s time. It’s time for Barcelona to let go. Lionel Messi will go down as the greatest player to ever wear a Barcelona jersey. They believed in him when he was a 13-year-old pimple-faced teen and he repaid them with all the accolades he has won for them. Why drag this on any longer and get bad press over it?

Barcelona fans will be distraught at the potential of losing the best player on the planet but it may be time for the team to rebuild. This won’t be the last episode in the Messi/Barcelona Saga. Barcelona are going to fight tooth and nail to not let him go.

I’ll keep you posted.

By @chizfootball (the greatest footy journo on the internet)