Spanish club, Barcelona has said Lionel Messi will not be training with the club until he signs a new contract.
Recall the 34-year-old Argentine has been a free agent since July 1 following his failure to officially sign a new deal at the Catalan giants.
Despite an announcement that Messi would sign a five-year deal, the contract was yet to be signed.
According to the announcement, Messi’s contract was terminated due to club’s financial struggles as their captain has been forced to accept a pay cut in order to remain at the Nou Camp.
The deal which is yet to be signed will reportedly see him take a 50 per cent pay cut.
Recall The New Diplomat had reported that is previous contract expired on June 30 meaning that he has been a free agent since July 1 but he is unlikely to agree terms elsewhere.
However, the Barcelona forward will not be training with his club until the new contract is signed, according to new reports.
The 34-year old is currently enjoying an extended holiday after playing in last month Copa America for Argentina.
Messi captained his national team to the title in South America as they beat hosts Brazil 1-0 in the final.
It was Messi’s first international trophy and Argentina’s first Copa America triumph in 28 years.
The victory in Rio ended years of heartbreak for the legendary Barcelona forward.
