Wednesday marks the end of Lionel Messi’s 21-year relationship with Barcelona, ​​at least on paper. The Argentine star’s contract with the Catalan team expires on June 30, and as of Thursday, the Argentine captain officially becomes a free player.

to me sportThere is a verbal agreement between Messi and Barcelona to renew the contract, but this is not yet official, and the fact that the player is in the Copa America may delay the signing. Until then, the Argentine star and Catalan crest will have to deal with some consequences.

If it is true that Messi can sign for any team without providing any kind of explanation to Barcelona, ​​he is also no longer protected by insurance The Blaugrana In case of injury. In other words, if you were injured during the Copa America, the AFA would have to take responsibility for the treatment.

On the Barcelona side, the club is now banned from using Messi’s image in any promotional activity for next season. This means that, starting tomorrow, the Catalan logo will prevent the sale of the 2021/22 shirt in the name of the Argentine star. This does not apply to equipment from previous seasons, for which player image rights have been negotiated with the club through the contract.

Remember that Lionel Messi arrived in Barcelona in 2000 from Newell’s Old Boys. He made his first-team debut in 2003, in Estádio do Dragão, and it was the start of an adventure with 672 goals in 778 matches, he also won four Champions Leagues, three FIFA Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, and 10 Leagues Spanish. Seven King’s Cups and seven Super Spain Cups.