Barcelona chiefs are demanding Lionel Messi explain himself to supporters after making his transfer demand this week.
AS says after originally being prepared to allow Messi to leave, the board have performed a U-turn and are now ready to fight to keep the Argentine at the club.
A crisis meeting was convened yesterday, attended by president Josep Maria Bartomeu, chief exec Òscar Grau, manager Javier Bordas and technical secretary Ramon Planes. And it was agreed to now fight to keep hold of Messi.
The captain will be informed he is not for sale and the only way he can leave is if his €700m buyout clause is met. Bartomeu also plans to call the player - he won't visit the Messi family home - in order to insist he make a public statement about why he wants to leave.
Indeed, Messi will be told nothing will be considered regarding his demands until he explains to fans the reason for his transfer request.
