From a free trial in 2000 to being a club legend 21 years later, Lionel Messi’s time at the Catalonia club, Barcelona has come to an end.
The 34-year-old Argentine is out of a deal with the most successful club in Spanish history and as such is available for grabs to any other team with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint Germain and current English premier league champions Manchester City leading the pack.
Lionel Messi has officially become a free agent upon the expiration of his contract at Catalonia even after club President Joan Laporta had assured curlers that his talk with Messi and his father Jorge Messi had been fruitful and that the six-time Balon dor recipient was going to extend his stay.
A complicated contract situation
Following numerous talks between the two parties; Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi, Messi’s father and agent.
As the negotiations continue to fold, Messi is insisting that the club will invest money into building a team around him including certain financial considerations and tax-related issues.
Following, the expiration of his contract Barcelona will have to sign Lionel Messi and register him as a new signing with a warning from the la Liga President Javier Tebas, the Catalonia club will have to cut down their wages or kiss signing Messi goodbye.
What is Messi saying?
The Barcelona legend is currently focusing on his country’s participation in the ongoing Copa America tournament.
Although Joan Laporta is still confident about the positive feedback from the 34-year-old, Messi has stayed mute on the situation and will continue to until after Copa Americas.
Manchester City continuing interest in Messi
Manchester City boss and former Catalonia captain Pep Guardiola has announced his interest in the 34-year-old triggering a possible reunion of the talisman at the Etihad Stadium.
The Barcelona star has been linked as a potential signing for the Spanish coach especially as he looks for a replacement for Manchester City’s top goalscorer Sergio Aguero who left as a free agent.
Pep who is vocal about his interests and potential signings praised the leading goal scorer for the Catalonians saying;
