Six months before the end of his contract at the Camp Nou deal, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner can start formal talks about his future plans
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is now free to discuss terms with any clubs, as his current contract at Camp Nou expires on June 30.
With less than six months left on his existing contract, the future of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is up for grabs, with Manchester City, Inter and Paris Saint-Germain believing that they are among the main controversies that signed the 33-year-old.
Although Messi has been linked with Barcelona since joining them in 2001 as a youngster, his future hangs in the balance after he came close to leaving the Catalan side as summer 2020.
Eventually, Messi was reluctant to go to court over Barca’s refusal to part with a company and would eventually stay, but with his contract expiring in June, perhaps that the Argentine star will find himself playing top football for another club for the first time in August.
Messi has been unhappy with Barcelona ‘s lack of competitiveness in recent months. The club released the Primera Division title to Real Madrid in the summer and failed to shoot under new boss Ronald Koeman.
The Blaugrana find themselves in sixth place in La Liga, 10 points back from leaders Atletico Madrid after playing a game more.
Having been given a routine challenge to the title since Messi came out for the club in 2004, fighting straight to produce next season ‘s Champions League is a bit of a comedy.
Amas Confirm that the player or father, Jorge, has not been in contact with any club. There has been no single meeting or communication with any other party, be it informal or casual, due to the prohibited sports law.
Now, Messi is no longer bound by such a rule and can start conversations with any side he wishes.
He is not expected to make a decision ahead of Barca’s presidential election on January 24, with all the candidates highlighting the importance of keeping Messi at Camp Nou.
However, with Barca needing to lose their salary bill and lack of competitiveness at the highest level, the Catalan club faces a major challenge in maintaining its services.