Last update on.From European FootballLionel Messi is the winner of six Ballon d'Or awards, which are given to the best player worldwide.This isn't a drill. Officially, one of the greatest players in the world is now a free agent.Yes, twelve months after his failed attempt to leave Barcelona, Lionel Messi has now been released from contract.The deal with the Argentine superstar expired at midnight, and despite months-long speculation and speculation, he has not committed to an extension.According to reports, talks over a new contract continue. This could mean that Messi may decide to stay at Nou Camp.For now, however, he is unavailable for any other purpose.Next season, where will Messi play?Guillem Balague, a Spanish football writer, stated earlier this week that Barcelona had "raised urgency" in contract negotiations with the hope of an announcement of a two-year agreement before July 1.He stated that Messi's contract renewal was the main priority of Joan Laporta, and that he is currently negotiating with Jorge Messi's representative and father.To keep the Argentine, the club must reduce its wage bill by 200m euros (172m), in order to comply with La Liga's Financial Fair Play requirements."Messi is aware of interest from other clubs but has not yet negotiated anything. He waited to hear from Barcelona.The move to Paris St-Germain or Manchester City for the 34-year-old is being considered. He would then be reunited at Barcelona with his former boss Pep Guardiola and play in America's Major League Soccer.He is currently in Brazil, playing for Argentina at Copa America. On Tuesday, he became the Copa America's most-capped player. He made two goals and set up another in a win of 4-1 against Bolivia.Transfer timeline for Lionel Messi25 August 2020 – Messi sends an email to the club requesting that he exercise a clause of his contract. This allows him to immediately leave without any fees.4 September 2020 - Messi claims he will stay at Barcelona as it is impossible for any team pay his 700m Euro (624m) release clause. The club insists that this would have to be fulfilled.27 October 2020 – Josep Maria Bartomeu (Barcelona president), resigns after he had a falling out with Messi over the failed transfer request.28 December 2020 - Messi said he hopes to play in the United States one day, but is uncertain about his future after his contract expires.31 January 2021: Barcelona says they will pursue "appropriate legal actions" against El Mundo, a Spanish newspaper that published details about Messi's contract worth 492m over four-years.16 May 2021 – Manager Ronald Koeman said he hoped Messi would not play his last home match for the club following a defeat by Celta Vigo of 2-1. This ended their title hopes, and saw them finish outside the top two for first time since 2007.22 May 2021: Paris St-Germain is believed to be "looking closely” at Messi's contract situation.28 May 2021: Barcelona President Joan Laporta states that a new contract is not yet in place for Lionel Messi, but that things are moving well.1. July 2021: Messi's Barcelona contract ends and he is free to act as his own agent.
