Here we are. It has finally happened. Lionel Messi is no longer a Barcelona player.
The Argentine pressured to leave Camp Nou last summer, believing he had the right to terminate his contract, but was eventually forced to stay and has since had lengthy discussions with the board about a new deal.
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However, an agreement has not yet been reached. There had been hopes that Barcelona could announce a new contract for Messi on his birthday on June 24, but that did not happen, and now the calendar has turned to July, he is officially a free agent.
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are the two sides linked to a move for Messi most of the time, and although both can reach an agreement, it currently seems unlikely as all indications are that the 34-year-old will simply ink in Catalonia.
The reason for the stay in the business, however, is money. Barcelona were recently warned by La Liga president Javier Tebas that they have exceeded their salary cap for the season and will have to make drastic cuts elsewhere if they want to keep Messi, whose previous salary is far too high for them to get anywhere close.
Messi has not yet found a deal for a new deal / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
“We want him to stay and Leo wants to stay, everything is going well, but we have the issue of financial fair play and we are in the process of finding the best solution for both parties,” club president Joan Laporta confirmed to Onda Cero El Transistor when Messi’s contract expired.
“I would like to announce that he is staying, but at the moment I can not say that because we are looking for the best solution for both parties.”
The idea of giving Messi a low salary with huge bonuses has been discussed, but there are fears that such a deal could break both La Liga and Spanish laws, and tax adviser Ramon Alvarez de Mon recently told El Chiringuito that Messi could go to jail if his next deal does not play by the rules.
Laporta works tirelessly to get a deal / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Talks will continue between Barcelona and Messi, who are not listening to other proposals as he will prioritize staying at the club, but there are obviously some obstacles to cross before this becomes clear.
Barcelona seem to be fine with it all, and all the proof you need for that is Laporta’s response to a word to Jugones La Sexta when asked about the situation: “Calm down.”
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