CATALAN - Barcelona may only have three weeks to tie Lionel Messi's contract. The reason is, La Blaugrana will start pre-season training on August 2, 2021.

Reporting from Football Espana , Saturday (10/7), Barcelona faced a complicated situation regarding Messi. Barca are prepared to lose Messi if they don't complete a deal in the coming weeks.

The Argentine superstar is now a free transfer. Barcelona cannot extend Messi's contract if it is not below the salary limit set by Spanish La Liga. If Messi's salary does not go down, Barcelona will have to sell a lot of players for the sake of financial fair play (FFP) rules.

The situation makes the club in a dilemma and pressed for time. Because Barcelona will hold pre-season training in three weeks. Messi's future will be seen in the next few weeks.

Messi is currently still with the Argentina national team in the Copa America and will face Brazil in the final. He will not join his colleagues who will gather next Monday.

After three weeks of rest, Messi will return to Barcelona to take part in pre-season preparations which begin on August 2. But what happens if on that date La Pulga, Messi's nickname, has not signed a contract?

Messi is still free to train with the club even without a contract or free agent status. However, he is not entitled to medical treatment if he is injured.

This could force Messi not to join the Barcelona squad. Because injuries will be avoided for players like Messi in the midst of an uncertain situation.

Nonetheless, Messi could sign an agreement to guarantee medical treatment in case of problems. Another question that arises is whether Messi will continue to work for Barcelona for free in preparation for pre-season or train independently.