The consequences of Messi's Barcelona contract expiring on Wednesday...

The consequences of Messi's Barcelona contract expiring on Wednesday...

| sport

Even if Messi is going to renew, there could be some issues in the coming days

On July 1, 2021, the legal link between Lionel Messi and Barcelona will no longer exist if there's no signing of a new contract on June 30.

Messi's contract expires on Wednesday and there's still not an official agreement to renew, even though everything suggests he will extend his 20-year stay at the club.

Despite that, the fact that there will be no document linking the two parties as of Thursday could have some consequences.

What does it mean legally? What can Barça no longer do?

Barça can't…

  • Retain the player: Messi can sign for any team without giving explanations.
  • Cover Messi in case of injury: The No.10 will no longer have medical insurance with Barça. If he gets injured at the Copa America, the AFE will have to be responsible for the treatment.
  • Use Messi's image with the new shirt or anything related to next season.
  • Sell Messi shirts for the 2021/22 in their official shop.

Barça can…

  • Keep using Messi's image with shirts from previous seasons, both online, on social media and in promotional acts.
  • Use images of Messi at the Copa America with his national team.
  • Maintain the image and name of Messi on the official website as a Barça player.

The big questions

  • What will happen with the sponsors? Can they use Messi's images in their adverts?
  • After the contract expires... will the club and player sign a renewal or a new contract from zero?
  • Can they still keep negotiating despite the distance, with Messi focused on the Copa with his national team?
  • What happens if he gets injured with Argentina and misses preseason?

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