First, the reports came courtesy of the likes of El Pais and Goal. Soon afterward, confirmation came from a team-mate: Lionel Messi has the right to leave Barcelona for nothing during the summer.
The Argentine icon is currently under contract with the club until 2021. However, a clause in his deal with the Spanish giants grants him the liberty to terminate that deal at the end of every season upon turning 32.
In case you forget, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner turned 32 last June and had the option of ending his nearly 20-year relationship with the Blaugrana during the summer. He did not exercise this liberty but he can leave every June 30 from now one and is thus not obligated to fulfill his contract at Camp Nou.
The legendary forward did not want to be bound by a renewal and his employers agreed to this clause. It was initially just a report but team-mate Gerard Pique has now gone to confirm it is true, adding that the Argentine can leave for free on top of that.
The Spanish center-back, who has shared a dressing room with La Pulga for years, confirmed the attacker can terminate his contract and leave for nothing in an interview with Cadena Ser. However, the defender is not worried about this occurring, arguing that Leo's commitment to the only club he has ever played for in his professional career is strong.
"I already knew Messi is able to leave for free at the end of each season," Pique told Spanish publication Cadena Ser.
"But we all know the commitment Leo has to Barca and it doesn't worry me at all.
"He's earned the right to be able to choose what he does with his future after everything he's given the club."
Pique might not be concerned, but this is a huge worry for the Barcelona board. This clause is not new for the Spanish Primera Division champions, as the likes of Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta and Xavi were all given the same luxury towards the end of their Camp Nou stay.
However, attempts to extend Messi's current contract haven't worked. Regardless, the consensus is that the Argentine will remain with the Catalan giants for the foreseeable future, with the only possibility of an exit being a return to boyhood club Newell's Old Boys.
The 32-year-old is currently out of action after picking up a calf injury during training. He has not played a single game for Valverde's side and his absence is felt as the Spanish giants have won only one of their three opening league games, losing one and drawing the other.
