First things first. Messi not only wants to leave, he is thinking where he should go next. He doesn't see himself at FCB anymore. This is it. He has never been more determined. This is not a negotiation or a power battle (THREAD)

Him and the family are ready to try a new club, something that up till now, and despite previous conversations, never considered necessary.
Beyond who rang whom between Pep and Messi, or if there was a call (conflicting reports) what is clear is that despite...

... the official messages coming from City that nothing has changed and it is all speculations, it is certainly something that has been discussed between player representatives and the English club. It is not the only option but the most attractive to Messi...and to Pep

Could be the missing link for City to take that extra step needed in Europe.

Nothing has been agreed with anyone just yet. This is important. It is crucial to decipher under what conditions he leaves FCB -fee that Catalan club will ask

If the fee is too high, the case could finish in court as Messi is convinced he can go for free down to the liberatory clause. And the timing of that is a mystery

So next step for Messi after finding out the fee will be to study all the possibilities that he has on the table

Yes, City could be the destination. But it is too early to say it will certainly be. @lequipe say his morning PSG is out of the equation and the club suggests that to be the case. But it is more a "wait and see" than a definitive no. Inter is exactly the same. And there are more

I am sure Messi would be willing to reduce wages as he is convinced about starting a new adventure, that won't be an issue.

FCB still in the "we want you to stay" phase. When they hear again that all he wants is to go, then FCB will say, "ok, but we want a big fee for you"

A step closer to an understanding... And his departure

Last night I did a little video on YT if you want more context