No, Barcelona did not ask Lionel Messi to play for free.
While there were reports suggesting that the club offered him a reduced salary, it was never confirmed that they asked him to play without any compensation.
Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021 was a complex situation involving financial constraints, salary cap regulations, and the player's desire for a new challenge.
The club's financial struggles played a significant role in the decision, making it impossible to meet his salary demands.
While the exact details of the negotiations remain private, it is clear that Barcelona did not ask Messi to play for free.
