Barcelona’s captain, Lionel Messi, has been banned from participating in the club’s training
According to reports, Lionel Messi will not train with Barcelona until he signs a new contract with the Spanish club.
The Argentine has been a free agent since July 1, but he is expected to sign a new contract with the Catalan giants.
Despite an announcement that the Barcelona number ten would sign a five-year deal, the contract has yet to be signed.
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Messi has been forced to accept a pay cut in order to stay at Barcelona due to the club’s financial difficulties.
Messi will reportedly take a 50% pay cut as part of the agreement.
Messi’s previous contract expired on June 30, making him a free agent since July 1, but he is unlikely to sign elsewhere.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Barcelona forward will not train with his club until a new contract is signed.
Messi led his national team to the South American title, which they won 1-0 over hosts Brazil in the final.
It was Messi’s first international trophy, as well as Argentina’s first Copa America victory in 28 years. The victory in Rio put an end to the legendary Barcelona forward’s years of heartbreak.
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Messi is 34 years old, and while no one would argue he is the same player he was at his peak, he is still one of the best footballer in the world.
He had four goals and five assists in the Copa America, as well as 30 goals and 11 assists for Barcelona in La Liga last season, which led to him winning the Pichichi.
The 34-year-old is currently on leave after representing Argentina in the Copa America last month.