It has been revealed that the Argentine icon can break his deal at Camp Nou at the end of any given season if he wishes to take on a new challenge

Lionel Messi has “earned the right” to break his Barcelona contract if he so wishes, says Gerard Pique, but nobody at Camp Nou is overly concerned about such a decision being taken.

It has been revealed by El Pais, with Goal able to confirm the news, that the mercurial Argentine has an exit clause in his current deal.

Having turned 32, the five-time Ballon d’Or has the option to walk away from Barca at the end of any given season.

His terms are due to run until 2021, with the reigning Liga champions eager to discuss another extension for their mercurial talisman.

Pique claims to have already been aware that Messi could leave if he fancies a new challenge, but the World Cup-winning defender is reading little into that as there is no reason to believe that a move will be made any time soon.

“I already knew Messi is able to leave for free at the end of each season,” Pique told Cadena Ser.

“But we all know the commitment Leo has to Barca and it doesn't worry me at all. He's earned the right to be able to choose what he does with his future after everything he's given the club.”

Messi last committed to a new deal with Barcelona in 2017, at the end of a long-running saga.

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