Messi drops bombshell transfer exit request on beleaguered Barcelona

The 33-year-old has spent his entire career at Camp Nou, winning the Ballon d'Or on six occasions - but now looks set to leave

Lionel Messi has demanded to leave Barcelona by activating a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old has sent a fax to Barcelona communicating his intention to leave behind the club he's played at for 20 years.

Although his contract is set to expire at the end of the 2020-21 season, Messi and his legal team believe the clause will allow him to terminate his deal unilaterally.