Talks between FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi's representatives continued as the player's holdout from preseason extended through Thursday.
Messi's father and agent, Jorge Messi, held discussions with the club Wednesday amid the transfer saga that has taken the soccer world by storm. Last week, Messi delivered a request to leave the club, with the Argentine intent on exercising his termination clause that would allow him to walk away from Camp Nou with Barca receiving no financial compensation.
Barcelona contends that the clause has expired — despite the season extending past its original date due to the global coronavirus pandemic — meaning that any club that is interested in Messi would be subject to a €700 million buyout fee or a transfer fee negotiated with the La Liga side.
With Wednesday's talks bearing no fruitful conclusion, Jorge Messi met with Barca president Josep Bartomeu again on Thursday. According to Sky Sports, the club had been fining Messi €100,000 each day he missed training (plus his medical, which he also no-showed), but Bartomeu reportedly ended the fines temporarily while Messi considers his options.
It's a softened stance amid reports that Messi could reconsider his holdout. According to the Associated Press, Jorge Messi told the Cuatro television channel that his son has not completely ruled out the possibility of staying at Barcelona for the upcoming season and leaving next summer.
Messi's current four-year deal expires June 2021.