Xtra Time Web Desk: Lionel Messi’s contract with Barcelona expired on June 30, making him a free agent from Thursday (July 01, 2021). It is now a million dollar question as where the talismanic footballer is heading as there are still ‘several issues’ which needs to be sorted before he puts pen to paper. Messi is currently leading Argentina in the Copa America 2021 in Brazil.
At least three clubs including Barcelona is linked with getting the Argentine legend sign for them. Premier League giants Manchester City and Paris St Germain are the other two clubs. Barcelona is already in talks with Messi over a new contract, meaning he may well decide to stay at the Nou Camp.
Spanish football writer Guillem Balague said earlier this week that Barcelona had raised the level of urgency, in contract talks, with the hopes of making an announcement of a new two-year deal before the start of July.
“Messi’s contract renewal is new president Joan Laporta’s main priority and he is currently negotiating it directly with Messi’s father and representative, Jorge Messi,” he said.
“To be able to keep the Argentine, the club will have to reduce their wage bill by around 200m euros (£172m) to meet La Liga’s Financial Fair Play requirements.”
“Messi knows of the interest from other clubs, but up to now has not negotiated anything with them, waiting first to hear what Barcelona were offering.”
Messi officially became a Barcelona player on January 8, 2001and signed a professional contract with the Catalans in 2005.