Well, it’s finally actually happened – Lionel Messi, the soccer world’s penultimate GOAT – is now a free agent with the liberty to join any club of his desire.
For the first time in over 17 years, Lionel Messi is officially no longer a Barcelona player. As of midnight on the 30th of June 2021, the Argentine superstar’s contract is finally up, and what many fans of the club considered doomsday has finally arrived.
Of course, hype and doomsday pronouncements aside, news has long been circulating that the diminutive Argentinian wizard whom many regard as the greatest football player ever would not be leaving Camp Nou and is expected to have agreed, at least in principle, to the renewing of his contract for another two years and is expected to sign on the dotted line upon his return from his Copa America expedition soon.
The aftermath of the 2019-20 season had indeed left a slightly rancid taste in the mouths of all Culés that their enamored wizard seemed destined to end a near two-decades-long romance in the worst way possible, machinated by the self-serving, evil schemes of Josep Maria Bartomeu and his board. If it weren’t for his long-ingrained loyalty to the club that gave him his all, Messi would have been long gone.
Bartomeu was eventually forced into resignation and Joan Laporta assumed office in January of this year, bringing along with him in his second term a fresh sense of optimism regarding Messi’s continuity, promising that he would do everything possible to get La Pulga to renew. And he is very close to delivering on his word, as the Argentine’s renewal seems highly imminent.
Given Barcelona’s massive financial crisis, they are bound by Financial Fair Play (FPP) regulations. A few of the new contract’s details are yet to be structured even though it looks like Laporta has convinced Messi to stay based on his sporting project.
But trimming the budget on this scale is easier said than done. Messi is currently with the Argentine national team in Brazil for the Copa America. Considering that his renewal has not yet been announced, it will likely come after completing his international duties.
That will also give all parties some breathing space to iron out the final details of the renewal. It will also allow Messi to focus on the task at hand with La Albiceleste.
One thing is ALMOST certain – that the GOAT will reportedly continue his stint with the Blaugranas for another two years more.
You never know in football.