While Messi’s future now likely remains at Barcelona, it is not certain due to the club’s difficult financial problems.
Barca have reportedly agreed a five-year deal with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner that could see him earn around 50% of his previous wage.
The stumbling block comes from other players. Barcelona have been instructed to slash their wage bill to an acceptable level for La Liga but are struggling to offload players. The likes of Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic could all leave.
In reports from Spain, it is stated that the Catalans have given themselves a 15 August deadline to tidy up their financial issues and finalise Messi’s contract.
Barca, meanwhile, are desperately seeking a solution to Antoine Griezmann’s future, with the France star currently the third-highest earning player in world football. If they were able to offload him, it could unlock Messi’s future more quickly.