After 21 years since joining the club, Lionel Messi will be leaving Barcelona after fresh contract talks broke down on Thursday, the La Liga giants have confirmed.
Sky Sports had reported on Wednesday that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner was expected to sign a contract extension with Barcelona at the Joan Gamper Trophy match on Sunday.
However, the club’s statement revealed that there were “financial and structural obligations” that was a significant hurdle in Messi staying at Barcelona.
LATEST NEWS | Leo #Messi will not continue with FC Barcelona
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021
“Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).
“As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”
Messi has been a free agent since 1st July and there will be many clubs across the world interested in signing the 34-year-old.
The Argentine scored 672 goals in 778 appearances after making his senior debut in 2003 and under the new deal, Messi would have had his wages reduced by 50 per cent.