Lionel Messi has become a free agent after the Barcelona star’s contract expired at the end of June.
Although Barcelona were hopeful of signing Messi to a renewal before the June 30 deadline, the 34-year-old is now officially unattached, leaving him with the choice of extending it or signing for another team on a free transfer.
Barcelona still believe that Messi will eventually sign a new deal, but his status as a free agent will generate concern among the club’s fans and management.
The 34-year-old, who about 12 months earlier made an attempt to leave Barcelona, is no longer under contract with the Spanish giants and can now join any club if he decides to.
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There are reports that Messi and Barcelona will work towards a contract, but until there is a conclusive evidence that it is indeed in the pipeline, Messi being a free agent is bound to attract the attention of plenty clubs .
The 34-year-old has been linked with moves to Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former boss at Barcelona Pep Guardiola.
Messi was in hot form in the just concluded season, as he emerged as the leading scorer in the Spanish league with 30 goals and helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey title.
He 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.
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Messi has a record six Ballon d’Or awards. He is the team’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances, and the top scorer in the Spanish league with 474 goals in 520 matches.
He also is the player with most matches with the club. He was the top scorer in the Spanish league in eight seasons and the top scorer in the Champions League on six occasions.
Messi is currently in Brazil playing for Argentina at Copa America and became their most-capped player when he made his 148th international appearance against Bolivia on Tuesday, scoring twice and setting up another in a 4-1 win.
