La Liga confirms Messi's €700M release clause must be met

La Liga has made it known that any potential suitors for Lionel Messi should be prepared to pony up €700 million.

The top flight of Spanish football released a statement Sunday in support of Barcelona's claims that a unilateral agreement in Messi's contract that would permit a departure this summer on a free transfer expired on June 26.

"In line with the regulations and procedure that apply in such instances, La Liga shall not proceed with the release required for the player to be deregistered from the Spanish Football Federation unless the aforementioned clause has been paid," the statement read.

Messi's legal team argues that the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent work stoppage mean the special clause in his contract should be extended through the end of August.

The Argentine wasn't seen attending Sunday's COVID-19 testing at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training facility.

Messi's absence follows reports suggesting the player's representatives advised him not to attend testing or the start of Barcelona's preseason preparations on Monday to strengthen his legal position on the matter.

On Tuesday, the 33-year-old reportedly told Barcelona he wants to leave by triggering the special clause in his terms with the club he made his professional debut for in 2004.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are among a select group of teams reportedly linked with interest in Messi.

Sunday's statement marks the first time La Liga has publicly commented on the issue.