La Liga president, Javier Tebas, says that the Spanish league is ready for Lionel Messi’s departure, however, he has criticised the conduct of Manchester City, a club he believes could sign the Argentine forward.

In August 2020, the six-time Ballon d’Or award winner revealed that he plans to leave Barcelona after disagreements with Josep Maria Bartomeu, the now former president of the Catalan club.

Public pressure from fans over the fall out with Messi led to Bartomeu’s resignation in October 2020.

The departure of Bartomeu from Camp Nou inspired hope around the Blaugranas that their legendary striker could stay a few more years despite a rumoured lucrative offer from Man City.

However, City remains keen on bringing the Argentina international to Etihad and could land him as a free agent at the end of the season.

Outspoken league chief, Tebas, pointed out that he would like the Barca legend to remain, however, the Spanish top flight has seen many of their best players leave without a major impact on the league’s performance.

He said: “We would prefer Messi to stay in La Liga but Ronaldo and Neymar left and we have not noticed any difference, we are ready.”

The concerned president also took a jab at the Sky Blues saying they “compete outside the [financial] rules.”

He added: “City is neither affected by COVID or pandemics or anything because they are financed differently and it is impossible to fight against that.”

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