Messi’s contract with Barcelona, signed in 2017 and running through 2021, gave him the right to depart between seasons without penalty. According to the AP, Barcelona is seeking legal advice about whether Messi missed the window to break his contract. ADADIf Barcelona believes Messi cannot, it could demand his contractually obligated transfer fee of nearly $1 billion from any team that wants to sign him. It also could negotiate a reduced transfer fee, giving the team the financial means to rebuild in his absence. ADADNonetheless, Abidal was optimistic that Messi would end his career with Barcelona, even talking earlier this year of signing him to a contract extension.

Source: Washington Post August 25, 2020 19:34 UTC