Bartomeu will resign as Barça president if Messi decides to stay

FC Barcelona's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, is ready to step down from his role immediately if Lionel Messi publicly states that the president is the reason for his unhappiness at the club. This is the story first announced by TV3 and later confirmed by SPORT's sources.

Bartomeu was against the idea of stepping down following the humiliating 8-2 loss against Bayern Munich and wasn't fazed into questioning his position when Messi first revealed his decision to leave. Now, with Leo's threat holding more weight, the president has had a change of heart as he looks to keep the Argentine superstar at the Camp Nou.

The only condition behind this offer to resign is if Messi publicly announces that the reason he wants to leave is because of the president and, if Bartomeu resigns, Leo will stay.

A final reflection

This is Bartomeu's last throw of the dice as he looks to hold onto the greatest player of all-time. Reports linking Messi with a move to Manchester City have gathered pace in the last 24 hours, as has Leo's apparent desire for a new challenge.

Now Messi has the chance to oust Bartomeu from his position and form part of the new project under Ronald Koeman and later a newly elected president.

Whether this change of heart has come too late in the day remains to be seen. All eyes will be at the training ground on Sunday when the senior members of the squad are expected back to undergo coronavirus testing.