'It doesn't seem likely he'll stay' - Font resigned to losing Messi

Presidential candidate Victor Font admitted it may be too late already for Barcelona to convince Lionel Messi to change his mind on leaving.

Messi’s transfer bombshell last week continues to dominate headlines around Europe as everyone eagerly awaits updates on whether he’ll indeed leave Barcelona this summer.

The Argentine hoped to exploit a clause in his contract, that runs until 2021, to make it void. Therefore, he would’ve been able to search for a new club as a free agent. But Barcelona and LaLiga have both stated the option expired on June 10, meaning his only way out this summer is if his €700m release clause is paid.

However, Messi still feels his days at Camp Nou are over and refused to turn up for pre-season medical tests and training.

A meeting between the club board and the player along with his father, Jorge, is set go ahead shortly to discuss his future.

Jorge Messi is in Barcelona now. He is expected to meet Bartomeu very soon to negotiate the exit of Messi. #FCB 🤝🔜

Let the game begin..🏁

pic.twitter.com/hVRW4MAbsh

— Hagrid ✆ (@HagridFCB) September 2, 2020

Now Font, who claimed last week that Josep Maria Bartomeu’s resignation as president may prompt a u-turn from Messi, appears resigned to losing the Blaugrana skipper.

Asked on if it’s too late for the player to change his mind, Font told Sky Sports: “That’s the way it seems.

“This is the best football club in the world and we will do everything to ensure that the association with Messi stays.”

The businessman, who acts as the CEO of investment firm Delta Partners, also confessed the chances of Barcelona changing Leo’s mind don’t seem likely. The aim, therefore, should be to seek an amicable exit in the hope he’ll return in some capacity one day.

“That’s the hope, right?” admitted Font on Barca convincing Messi to change his mind.

“Until it’s over, there is always hope. And therefore I really hope the decision can be changed.

“It doesn’t seem likely, though, and therefore if that’s the case, the focus should be on making the transition as smooth as possible. And the ties between Messi and Barcelona that go very deep, remain there, so we can ensure somehow, the relationship continues in the future.”

He added: “Being the best player in the history of the sport carries a lot of weight. You see it with [Diego] Maradona, with Pele, with Johan Cruyff, these people carry a lot of value to the organization they belong to.

“That’s why we need to ensure that happens.”