Messi 'misses Barcelona return' and remains on holiday as contract saga drags on

Lionel Messi will not be present when the rest of his Barcelona teammates report for training on Monday morning as the club's record goal-scorer continues to enjoy his off-season on holiday in Ibiza.

As the Argentinian superstar is technically yet to sign a new deal with Barcelona due to the fact the club were operating significantly over La Liga's wage restrictions, Messi is actually unable to train with his teammates while he is not registered as a Barca player for the upcoming season.

Some reports claimed that one way round the ruling would be if Messi himself took out private health insurance, but the club have already ruled out that scenario.

Lionel Messi is currently a free agent, unable to sign a new deal at Barcelona (Photo by Pressinphoto / Icon Sport)

Though Barca are reportedly confident Messi will line up in the famous blue and red shirt again next season, they are having some difficulty slashing their wage books and offloading some of their fringe players.

Remarkably, since July 1, Messi has been a free agent without a club after his previous Barca contract had expired, as he was unable to pen a new one due to the wage ruling.

The Barcelona hierarchy are not particularly concerned over Messi contemplating a move elsewhere, as both parties are rumoured to have agreed to work tirelessly to find a solution.

However, the Barca star is currently sunning himself in Ibiza as he unwinds from a hectic 2020/21 campaign, alongside former teammate Luis Suarez who has also joined him on his holiday.

Will Barca register Messi in time for the new season? Have your say here.

Lionel Messi's contract at Barcelona expired at the end of June, he has been a free agent since July 1

According to Spanish outlet as, Barcelona have set themselves the deadline of August 13, as they aim to have Messi registered in time for the opening game of the new La Liga season which kicks off with a home clash against Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou.

Messi is not the only senior Barca star that needs their contractual situation resolved, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto are all set to sit down and negotiate new deals.

Barcelona are aiming to reduce their wage bill by about 40 per cent before a ball is kicked ahead of the new season.

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