Messi Becomes Free Agent As Contract With Barcelona Expires

Lionel Messi has become a free agent on Thursday after his three-year contract with FC Barcelona expired On June 30.

Renewing the contract of the Argentine who is currently leading his team at the Copa America has been a big issue for the Barcelona Board.

When Joan Laporta won his election to return to Camp Nou, the president highlighted the issue as one off his cardinal goals.

The 34-year-old has been on the limelight since 2007 and the club has built the team around the Argentine since the retirement of ex- club legends like Xavi Hernendez and Adres Iniesta.

Former Barcelona President had leaked a document showing the three-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract paid him €500,000 weekly, but the club with over €448m debt and over €100m loss cannot afford the wage load.

Javier Tebas, President of La Liga has advised the club to cut Messi’s wages or risk registering for the 2021-2022 season.

THE WHISTLER understands that the player’s father and agent, Jorgan Messi, is in talks with the club.

Messi made his first hint of leaving the club at the beginning of the 2019-2020 season.

With €700m buy-out clause, Messi may reunite with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City if the agreement ends in a deadlock.

Apart from City, there are reports that PSG are also eyeing the Barcelona star.