Lionel Messi will not leave Barcelona this summer after he opted not to activate a clause in his contract that allows him to depart before his deal expires next year, according to ESPN.
In 2017, Messi signed a four-year extension that included a stipulation allowing him to leave the club for free at the end of any season. ESPN reports the clause expired on May 30, meaning he's staying with Barca at least until the end of his contract next summer.
Questions over Messi's long-term plans at Camp Nou arose after his falling out with members of the club's hierarchy earlier this season.