MX23RW : Thursday, May 2 11:42:34| >> :60:2401:2401:

Josep Maria Bartomeu: 'Lionel Messi exit talk is false'

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu denies suggestions that Lionel Messi is considering his long-term future at Camp Nou.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has firmly denied suggestions that Lionel Messi could leave the Catalan outfit.

A number of Spain-based journalists have claimed in recent weeks that the Argentine is considering his future at Camp Nou amid threats of jail due to reported tax evasion.

Messi and his representatives have firmly denied any wrongdoing, but it is thought that the 28-year-old could leave Spain over the issues, with a move to the Premier League often discussed.

However, Bartomeu has told 8TV: "People who say Messi is leaving Barcelona should be embarrassed.

"Leo and his father said they don't imagine playing at another club. The relationship with the family is very good. We are not in the negotiation phase yet, when the time comes it will be presented.

"He has a contract for the next three seasons. Messi is very angry about the Spanish taxation. It is not normal, the information published on Leo Messi. If his tax advisers have made a mistake they have to pay like everyone else. Messi deserves respect as all do."

Messi is currently on the sidelines with knee ligament damage, but is expected to return to action before the end of November.

ID:254650: cacheID:254650:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2096:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's President Josep Maria Bartomeu gives a press conference at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on January 7, 2015
Read Next:
Bartomeu: 'Life is prettier with Messi'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!