The Blaugrana star will not return to training unless his contract situation gets resolved.
Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi is yet to report for training as the wait for his contract extension goes on.
The Blaugrana star’s future had been up in the air after his current deal expired on July 1. However, reports emerged that Messi has agreed to extend his stay at the Nou Camp until 2026 while taking a significant pay cut.
While the reports of his contract extension provided a huge relief for the Blaugrana fans, soon came a stumbling block that Messi can’t be registered as a new player unless the Blaugrana slash their wage bill.
Barca’s financial crisis has been deepened because of the pandemic, and they are said to be working on offloading several fringe players to match La Liga‘s revised salary cap.
According to new reports, Messi will not show up for training until his contract situation with the Catalan club gets resolved.
The six-time Ballon d’Or is currently on extended holiday following his Copa America triumph with Argentina.
The 34-year-old managed to end his trophy drought at the international level after inspiring La Albiceleste to the Copa America title.
Following the victory, Messi has now been seen as a top contender for the Ballon d’Or award for the record seventh time.
The Catalan club are said to have set a deadline for Messi’s extension before the Joan Gamper trophy, which will be played against Juventus on August 8.
Barca are currently camped in Germany for the preseason, and the results have been excellent so far, winning all of their three games against Gimnastic, Girona and Stuttgart. They will next face RB Salzburg.
