Lionel Messi ‘banned from Barcelona training’ as contract saga continues

Lionel Messi has reportedly been banned from training with Barcelona until he signs a new contract at the Spanish club.

The Argentina international has been a free agent since July 1 but is still likely to sign a new deal at the Catalan giants.

Despite the initial announcement that Messi would sign a five-year deal contract after being forced to accept a 50 percent pay cut in order to remain at the Nou Camp, he’s yet to be signed due to Barcelona’s financial struggles.

His previous contract expired on June 30 meaning that he has been a free agent since July 1 but he is unlikely to agree on terms elsewhere.

However, Barcelona forward will not be training with his club until the new contract is signed, according to the Spanish newspaper AS.