The La Liga season hasn't started yet but Barcelona, Real Madrid's main rivals, may have already suffered a blow to their championship chances.
Leo Messi will not join the pre-season until he signs an extension with the club, the reliable Diario AS journalist Javi Miguel says. Until then, he will continue his vacation. The Catalans, meanwhile, started the pre-season on July 12 and have already played three friendlies.
Messi is currently a free agent as his contract at Barca expired on June 30.
The Catalans' goal is to sign a new deal with Leo before August 13 so that he will be available from the start of the 2021/22 La Liga campaign. Even if they manage to register him in time, Messi is unlikely to be at his 100% at the start of the season, which could hurt Barca.
