Lionel Messi can leave Barcelona for free next summer

Lionel Messi has a secret transfer clause in his contract and it has been revealed by the Sun. 

The Argentine international is reported to have a clause that allows him to leave for free at the end of any season - but it is only active for clubs outside of Europe. 

The Barcelona superstar last extended his contract in 2017 and is said to have added that clause in case he wishes to leave. Messi has previously expressed interest in ending his playing career at his childhood club, Newell's Old Boys. 

*** It's a strange clause to have included in a contract, but it can be imagined that Barcelona are confident that Messi is unlikely to drop down to the lower level any time soon. 

It wouldn't be surprising to see Messi end his career in Argentina, but he doesn't seem like slowing down at the moment. His current deal expires in 2021 and it's hard to see the 32-year-old only staying in Spain for two more seasons, so the transfer clause is fairly irrelevant.