IT is probably a foregone conclusion that Lionel Messi will continue his club football career in England.

According to South American newspapers, Messi will leave his beloved Barcelona after two decades to play for Manchester City.

Barça confirmed on Tuesday that the Argentine expresses in a document his desire to activate an exemption clause in his contract, terminate the contract and leave without a transfer fee.

Messi’s lawyers faxed the document to Barcelona.

The club has yet to officially respond.

For now, Barça’s management believes the clause has expired because Messi had to let him know in June that he wanted to walk.

Messi’s legal representatives argue the clause is in the spirit of the agreement and in good faith still valid after the delay in the season due to Covid-19. The Argentine therefore had until 23 August, the day of the Champions League final, the opportunity to take advantage of the clause.

Messi and Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, have a close relationship after their successful time in Barcelona.

And according to reports, the 33-year-old Argentine is also attracted by the prospect of working with his former manager.

City must now negotiate with Barcelona over Messi, whose contract expires next summer.