BREAKING: Lionel Messi leaves FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona have confirmed in a statement that Lionel Messi “will not remain linked with the club” and effectively leave it after contract talks broke down.
Following news from MARCA that the Argentine was “further from renewing for Barcelona than ever” before, and claims made by Catalan radio station RAC1 that he Messi “does not like the current squad” and that the other captains have been informed of his stance, the Blaugrana sent out a press release to address the matter.
“Despite having an agreement reached between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract, it will not be possible to formalize due to economic and structural obstacles (regulations of the Spanish League),” it began, translated from Catalan.
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“Faced with this situation, Lionel Messi will not remain linked with FC Barcelona. Both sides deeply regret that in the end the wishes of both the player and the Club cannot be fulfilled.
“Barça would like to thank the player for his contribution to the expansion of the institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life.”
The development will undoubtedly send shockwaves through football and FC Barcelona’s worldwide fanbase.
After arriving in the Catalan capital yesterday, Messi’s new five-year deal with an option to terminate in 2023 was expected to be announced sometime this evening.
Yet a few hours after his father and agent Jorge met Barca officials for lunch, reports began circling that the 34-year-old was “more out” of the club than in and have now been confirmed by the La Liga giants themselves.
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Last summer, when he tried to force his exit after a monumental failure in the Champions League that was blocked by then-president Josep Bartomeu, Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain were top suitors.
Yet both outfits have made signings already this summer, with City about to shell out $139 million for England midfielder Jack Grealish and in the market for Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who could cost anything up to double that amount.
Furthermore, they must also stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play regulations.