The Argentine forward’s father sent a letter to the Spanish top flight’s president, Javier Tebas, on Friday rebutting the claims made in recent days.

Messi’s father hits back at La Liga: €700 million does not need to be paid for Barcelona exit

The Argentine forward’s father sent a letter to the Spanish top flight’s president, Javier Tebas, on Friday rebutting the claims made in recent daysnull

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has hit back at La Liga‘s claim that the alleged €700 million (£624m/$823m) contract clause must be paid for the player to quit Barcelona in 2020.

The Argentine, 33, has been locked in a dispute with the Catalan club over whether he has permission to leave Camp Nou on a free transfer following the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.

His father has held talks with Barcelona this week and, despite hopes of Messi staying for at least another season until June 2021 being boosted by comments made on Thursday, Jorge Messi fired a rebuttal to La Liga’s president for stating the €700m contract clause is valid.