Messi demands to leave Barca

Photo: Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to leave the club (Getty Images)

Lionel Messi has delivered at massive blow to Barcelona by officially declaring his desire to leave the club.

Barcelona suffered their worst defeat in Europe when they were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Champions League a few days ago, which is believed to be the last straw for the Argentine.

Messi has grown increasingly frustrated at the club throughout the course of the season and even the arrival of a new coach in Ronald Koeman has not been able to appease the player, who joined the club as a little boy.

Koeman himself is likely to be devasted by the news as his plans to restore the club to their former glory hinged on Messi being at the club.