Lionel Messi's father in Barcelona for crunch talks over son's future - in pictures

Jorge Messi taken to apartment in the city ahead of meeting with club president

Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, arrives at Barcelona airport on Wednesday. AFP

Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, arrives at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport for a meeting with Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu. Reuters

A Barcelona fan holds a banner that reads "Messi da la cara" (Messi take your responsibility) as Jorge Messi arrives at the airport in Barcelona. AFP

Jorge Messi fights his way through the crowd to a waiting car. AFP

Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, disembarks from a plane as he arrives at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport. Reuters

Jorge Messi waves at fans and reporters. He is due to meet Barcelona officials later on Wednesday to discuss his son's future at the club. Reuters

Jorge Messi is chased by TV camera crews at Barcelona airport. AFP

Jorge Messi on his way to a waiting car outside Barcelona airport. Reuters

Jorge Messi is mobbed by reporters and Barcelona supporters. Reuters

Jorge Messi arrives at his apartment in Barcelona. AFP

The father and agent of Lionel Messi touched down in Barcelona on Wednesday ahead of crunch talks with club officials over his son's future.

Jorge Messi landed at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport on an overnight flight from Argentina Wednesday morning to be greeted by throngs of supporters and reporters.

When asked whether his son will remain at the club, Jorge replied: "I don't know anything, guys."

One Barca fan held a sign with the words "Messi da la cara" (Messi take your responsibility), though thousands have pleaded for the club's record goalscorer to stay.

Messi senior was taken by a taxi to his apartment in Barcelona ahead of showdown talks with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, where he is expected to express his son's desire to leave Camp Nou.

The Argentine superstar has been absent from training this week as the squad meet new manager Ronald Koeman, who replaced the sacked Quique Setien last month.

Last week, Messi's representatives sent a burofax, which is in effect a recorded letter, stating the 33-year-old's intention to leave the club in this transfer window on a free. Barcelona replied the same, telling Messi they want him to stay.

There is a dispute over whether Messi, scorer of more than 630 goals for Barca, has given the club due notice of his intent to leave. Barca believe the clause was not activated by June 10, meaning any club that want to enter into negotiations for their most decorated player must first meet his €700 million (Dh3.039 billion) buyout agreement.

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