Lionel Messi becomes free agent amid Barcelona contract rumors

Arguably the greatest footballer in the sport's history can now join any club he wants. 

As of midnight Thursday morning in Spain, Lionel Messi officially became a free agent upon the expiration of his Barcelona contract. ESPN reported on Wednesday the La Liga giants remain confident of landing Messi's signature on a new deal at some point this summer, and the Worldwide Leader added the two sides have a "loose agreement" based on Barcelona's ability to sell players to account for their gross debt said to be over €1 billion. 

Messi has repeatedly been linked with an eventual move to Major League Soccer and Inter Miami via a two-year contract with Barcelona that would include a player option for a third season. Under this agreement, the 34-year-old could head to MLS following the 2022-23 European campaign or at any point after next year's World Cup. He would eventually return to Barcelona as either an ambassador or holding a different backroom role. 

However, Goal's Ruben Uria explained La Liga's strict financial regulations currently prevent Barcelona from registering Messi past the end of June 30. 

Messi is currently busy representing Argentina at Copa America and is unlikely to sign any new contract until after the tournament. Jorge Messi, Lionel's agent and father, could potentially be swayed by a big-money offer made by a club with cash to spend such as Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain at a time when Barcelona are no longer linked with the living legend.