Messi becomes a free agent as contract with Barcelona expires

The Argentine’s contract with Barcelona ended as June drew to a close, thus he could sign with any other club if he chooses.

Barcelona’s superstar player, Lionel Messi has officially become a free agent after his contract expired at the end of June.

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This situation means that Messi is now officially unattached to the club and he’s free to sign with any other club if he chooses to do so.

Barcelona were hopeful that the 34-year old would sign a new contract with the club but he hasn’t. Although, the La Liga giants still believe that Messi will eventually sign a new deal with the club.

Talks for him to sign a new contract continues to go on between the club and Messi’s representatives, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta communicating with his father and agent, Jorge Messi.

It is understood that both sides continue to discuss economic and tax-related issues in relation to Messi’s contract as well as his image rights.

However, Messi himself is looking for assurances that the club would be able to build a competitive team around him in the near future.

The 34-year old becoming a free agent seems to add some complexity to the situation. If Messi’s contract were to be renewed with Barcelona, he would be registered as a new signing with La Liga.

What this means is that, Barcelona would have to find a means to ensure that they do not breach La Liga’s financial regulations.

La Liga’s President Javier Tebas has already warned Barcelona they must bring their wages down, else they wouldn’t be able to register Messi ahead of the upcoming season.

While Messi is away on international duties with Argentina, it is understood that he remains focused and calm with his national team rather than his contract situation.

Argentina would face Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the Copa America on Saturday.