The reason why Lionel Messi has not yet returned for training at Barcelona ahead of the new season has reportedly been revealed.
Reports last week suggested that the Blaugrana were hoping that the Argentine superstar would have signed a new deal by now.
However, no new contract between Barcelona and Messi has been announced.
Reports last week suggested that the 34-year-old would resume first-team training at the Catalan giants on 2 August, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that will be his return date.
President Joan Laporta said to the media “Messi’s contract renewal is not coming along as planned.
properly, everything is going well,”
Despite his contract issue not yet being sorted, Messi was tipped to return in time for Barcelona’s pre-season friendly match against Juventus in the Joan Gamper Trophy next week Tuesday.
According to Mundo Deportivo, however, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner appears set to stay away from training until his new deal has been finalised.
It has been widely reported that the club captain, whose previous contract in Spain expired in June, cannot sign a new deal, despite reaching an agreement with president Joan Laporta, due to the club’s financial issues
