Srinagar, 1 July : For the first time ever in his Barcelona FC career, the most sought after footballer on the planet , Lionel Messi is without a contract as his current contract has expired.
The 34-year-old Argentine who about 12 months earlier, made an attempt to leave the Catalan club, is no longer under contract, reported Goal.com.
Messi’s contract officially expired as soon as the clock struck 12, and although there were reports that he would likely re-sign with the Spanish giants, no such development has yet taken place.
It was first during the end of the 2019-20 season that Messi first announced his intention of wanting to leave Barca. The reason could have been many but following the club’s 2-8 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final was believed to be a catalyst. It was one of the club and Messi’s worst defeats. Besides, Messi was kind of at loggerheads with president Josep Bartomeu, and once he stepped down and a new coach is Ronald Koeman was announced, things became smoother.
Messi was in hot form this season, as he emerged as the leading scorer in the Spanish league with 30 goals and helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey title.
Messi has won 35 titles in 17 seasons, helping the club win the Champions League four times, the Spanish league 10 times, the Copa del Rey seven times and the Spanish Super Cup eight times.