The day in which various Barcelona fans have long dreaded has come, as Lionel Messi is no longer a Barcelona player, pending when he renews his contract with the Spanish club. Although the club believes he would stay, the Argentine is now a free agent as he hasn’t put pen to paper to sign a new contract with the team.
With his most recent deal running until June 30, Messi became a free agent at June 30 midnight, as July 1 mark the end of his contract.FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has been working hard to convince the Barca legend to renew his contract as the club’s president wanted to sign a contract with the Argentine before the most recent one expired
Even as Messi’s contract has expired, it doesn’t mean Messi would leave the club, as those in charge at the Camp Nou believe he will put pen to paper on a new deal and continue to wear the blue and red colours of the Catalans. At this moment in time, though, Messi is not a Barcelona player. Although Messi has indicated he would stay, it’s still unclear if he would renew his contract as a result of the Club’s financial problems.
The club’s financial problems prevented a new deal from being signed before the June 30 expiry date. The relationship between Laporta and Messi’s father is very good, but there are several aspects of the new contract that still need to be ironed out. An agreement could be reached soon, perhaps in a few days, but it hasn’t been established as of yet.
Before Messi’s contract expiration, rumours had it that the Argentine could probably consider switching to Manchester City to reunite with his former coach Pep Guardiola. Rumours also had it that the Barca star could probably consider Paris Saint- Germain as a possible club side to join before the transfer window is closed.
