Lionel Messi has been given permission by Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman to miss this weekend's final La Liga match of the season against Eibar and take holiday, the club confirmed on Friday, meaning he may have played his last game for Catalan side.
The Argentine's contract expires at the end of June and there has been no announcement on an extension.
OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi has been given permission to sit out Barcelona's final league game of the season.
— Goal (@goal) May 21, 2021
Has he played his final game for the club? ?? pic.twitter.com/rg7CzSnglS
He requested to leave the club last year and was linked by British and Spanish media with a move to Manchester City or Paris St Germain, but ultimately stayed put for one more season.
Should Messi not sign a new contract then his final game for the club would be last weekend's dismal 2-1 defeat at the Camp Nou to Celta Vigo.
The 33-year-old has netted 30 times in La Liga this season and is set to win Spain's Golden Boot - the Pichichi Trophy - however Koeman's side can at best finish third, behind arch rivals Real Madrid and title favourites Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona have given Messi permission to miss this weekend's game against Eibar to have some extra time off before the Copa America.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 21, 2021
Have we seen him play in a Barcelona shirt for the final time ? pic.twitter.com/MPSmPxQUr0