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'I will always want to see him in LaLiga': Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona in the summer would NOT have been a good idea, says relieved league president Javier Tebas

LaLiga president Javier Tebas insists Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona in the summer would have been a mistake for all involved, including the league itself.

Barca captain Messi shocked the world in August when he handed in a transfer request to leave the club, with Manchester City, PSG and Inter Milan all linked with a stunning move for the 33-year-old.

But with Barcelona and LaLiga insisting that his £634million (€700 million) release clause had to met, the Argentine eventually stayed with the club for this season and league chief Tebas admitted a hint of relief at what transpired in the end.