Barcelona refuse to hold talks after Messi requests a meeting

In a change of tack, Lionel Messi is now willing to meet with Barcelona to find a solution regarding his future.

The Argentine had informed the club of his desire to leave, which still remains, via burofax on Tuesday.

According to El Periodico, Messi is asking for a meeting with the club as he continues to seek a move away.

The forward knows he can't leave for free this summer, but he also doesn't want any transfer to be held to his 700 million euro release clause.

However, Barcelona are not budging from their position - they will not sell unless his release clause is met - and are refusing to hold talks with their captain.

"Either it's to renew [his contract] or there's nothing to discuss," the Catalan club are saying over the prospect of holding talks.

Therefore, either another club pays 700 million euros to sign Messi, or he sees out the remainder of his contract at the Camp Nou.

At the moment, there is a standoff between both parties, with no short-term solution in sight.

Barcelona are still going to try to convince Messi to stay, although the player hasn't changed his mind over wanting to leave.

On Sunday, Messi will report for coronavirus testing at Barcelona before starting pre-season under Ronald Koeman on Monday.