Bartomeu won't respond to Messi's comments as he looks to defuse situation

The crisis at FC Barcelona, caused by Lionel Messi's now infamous burofax, looks to have finally subsided. Leo has decided to stay at Barça and the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu can breathe easily once again. He feels like he's overcome a difficult, tense situation and is satisfied that Messi will remain at the club.

Strong hand

Bartomeu was never open to the idea of selling Messi. Although there was pressure from every side to at least sit down and negotiate a possible transfer, the president wouldn't budge from his initial position. The contract states that the 'exit clause' expired on the 10th June and the only way Leo could force his departure is if he deposited the €700m buyout clause with LaLiga.

Bartomeu made it clear to Jorge Messi that only a renewal would be discussed, not a sale.

Leo was stuck between a rock and a hard place and had no choice but to back down and stay. The Argentinian star avoided taking legal action which would only harm his and the club's reputation with the fans. Bartomeu held firm for 10 days and now his nightmare is over.

Silence

Barça's strong stance won't change despite Messi's harsh words towards the president and the club's direction in recent years. He even accused Bartomeu of going against a promise he made to him. Even though Bartomeu is aware he comes off poorly in the wake of Leo's comments, he won't respond and instead hopes everyone can now move on.

The club won't sanction Messi for failing to attend the first few days of preseason training either. Barça understand it was due to exceptional circumstances and only wish to see Leo wear the shirt and perform on the pitch once again.