Barcelona are working so hard to find an agreement so that Lionel Messi renews his contract which expired on June 30, leaving him as a free agent. In recent days, the financial fair play requirement enforced by la Liga made this really difficult for the Catalans, as revealed by Marca, it is not the only stumbling block preventing the deal from been done.

Barcelona have to cut their salary expenses in order to accommodate Lionel Messi, even with him taking a significant reduction in terms of pay.

The current offer made by Barcelona would see Messi go to the United States after two seasons at Camp Nou, and while recouping lost earnings from Barcelona while there. A lot of payments meant for the Argentine have also been delayed of late.

Messi wants to understand how the tax system works as it will likely pose some issues regarding where his tax should be paid when he collects any deferred money he will earn from Spain, which is likely to happen to any player who moves abroad.

Barcelona is obviously short of cash and it is very important they attempt to trim down the club’s expenses by asking players to take a pay cut.

On the other hand, Lionel Messi wants to understand the exact terms of payment, as well as guarantees, should in case there is a new wave of a pandemic or overrides the club’s delicate financial situation. Messi wants to know where he stands.

Again, there is a lot of money that hasn’t been paid to the Argentine. His advisors want to see what happens with his pending payments and if they’re added to the new contract.

Lastly, as we all know Messi is desperate to see Barcelona compete for trophies. The sporting project is of great importance to Messi. So far, Barcelona has signed Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay. It is yet to be seen if Messi will need more.

https://barcauniverse.com/2021/07/03/reason-lionel-messi-hasnt-renewed/

That's my own GOAT