The time Barcelona fans have long feared has come, as Lionel Messi is officially no longer a Blaugrana player, after 7,504 full days at the club, since signing his first contract on a handkerchief.
And Messi became free to move to any other club since midnight last night at the end of June, due to the expiration of the last contract he signed with the club.
🍿👀 Fun watching 😍 pic.twitter.com/p0eQAIhPNM
- FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona_ara) June 24, 2021
The Spanish newspaper "MARCA" reported that Barcelona club president Joan Laporta had tried, since taking charge, to convince Messi to renew, and wanted to sign the new contract before the end of the last contract, but he could not convince the Argentine star, who is currently leading his country in the Copa America.
🇦🇷 Agüero + Messi = 😱😱😱 @CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/tBA3novq1s
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 29, 2021
The newspaper said that the end of Messi's contract already does not mean that he will leave Barcelona, as Camp Nou officials believe that he will sign a new deal, and will continue to wear the blue and red colors, but at this moment - and until this is achieved - Messi is not officially a player in Barcelona.
The crushing financial crisis and the club’s huge debts were among the reasons that prevented the signing of a new deal with Messi before his contract expired yesterday, Wednesday, June 30, but the very good relationship between Laporta and Messi’s father and agent may help to overcome this obstacle, with the settlement of some aspects in A new contract that can be settled soon.
⚽ The fun of the goal is not complete until after the celebration 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/YNENlzpbeW
- FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona_ara) June 24, 2021
Laporta, who urged the fans to remain calm, wants Messi to sign a new deal as soon as possible, because - according to Marca's description - he does not like Messi to be outside Barcelona, even if it is only for a few days, and the club's sponsors do not like that either. Whether they are current sponsors or potential new partners.
The Spanish newspaper said that the sportswear company Nike, for example, is looking to promote the new shirt, and they cannot announce it with Messi, at least at this moment.
Other sponsors also do not want to sign up for new deals with the club if Messi is not part of the Catalan club's future.
The newspaper speculated that it did not appear that another club was ready to try to persuade Messi to sign for him, because the matter has been available since the beginning of this year, but it was no more than just rumours.