Messi And Barcelona Team-Mates Ordered To Return Audi Cars Within Three Weeks After Sponsorship Ends

AUDI have demanded Barcelona's stars return their freebie cars after the car manufacturer's Camp Nou sponsorship ended.

Lionel Messi and Co were able to select any top-of-the-range model they fancied last year after the German company partnered up with Barca.

Messi chose an Audi RS 6 Avant worth about £130,000 while Ivan Rakitic went for an Audi Q7 worth £65,000.

But now, after Audi's deal with the Spanish giants finished on June 30, they have recalled the motors, according to AS.

The company has given a three-week deadline for the players to return the supercars.

Barcelona's players had used the cars as their daily ride to and from the club's training ground.

Last year, Audi's Christian Guenthner told SunSport: "For official business occasions they use their Audi. During the selection process Audi and the club work hand in hand.

According to Spanish news media outlet AS, the company has given a three-week deadline for the players to return their exotic cars.

Barcelona's players had used the cars as their daily ride to and from the club's training ground. Last year, Audi's Christian Guenthner told SunSport: "For official business occasions they use their Audi.

During the selection process Audi and the club work hand in hand. "Players can choose from the whole range of models, usually starting with smaller cars for the younger players.

"They each get to choose a new model every season with a lot of optional extras. And with our Audi Exclusive catalogue options, there are infinitely many possibilities."

The move ends a 13-year relationship between the Catalan club and German car giant who also had deals with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Every season the players would get a brand-new car with Audi selling the second-hand models.

Sergio Busquets had the most expensive motor with his Audi R8 Coupe V10 plus, in Daytona grey, costing £192,000.