On Sunday, just two days after Barcelona suffered an 8-2 defeat to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League, incredible reports emerged suggesting that the Argentine had informed the club of his desire to leave.
These reports have since been dismissed in Spain, however, with Catalan-based newspaper Sport said to have received a categorical denial from Barcelona that Messi contacted them regarding his future, let alone that he stressed his desire to leave the club with immediate effect.
While the captain's future at the club remains uncertain, it is looking increasingly likely that manager Quique Setien will be shown the door, while a complete overhaul of the squad is also expected ahead of next season.
Philippe Coutinho
Ousmane Dembele
Arturo Vidal
Rafinha Alcantara
Samuel Umtiti
Martin Braithwaite
Nelson Semedo
Neto
Carles Alena
Jean-Clair Todibo (centre)
Junior Firpo
Lionel Messi