Barcelona revealed on Thursday evening that Lionel Messi is leaving the club.
The Blaugana's
all-time top goalscorer and best ever player appeared to be prepared to take a
50% pay reduction to continue at the Nou Camp, but deals dropped through.
After failing to
reach an agreement on a contract renewal before his previous Barcelona deal
ended on June 30, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner has been a free agent since
July 1.
LATEST NEWS | Leo #Messi will not continue with FC Barcelona
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021
According
to a statement: "Despite the fact that FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi have
reached an agreement and both parties have stated their determination to sign a
new contract today, this cannot happen due to financial and structural
difficulties (Spanish Liga regulations).
"Messi
will not be returning to FC Barcelona as a result of this scenario. Both sides
are very disappointed that the player's and the club's wishes will not be met.
"FC
Barcelona expresses its heartfelt thanks to the player for his contribution to
the club's advancement and wishes him all the best in his personal and
professional life."
Image Credit: PAThe issue is where Messi will play this season after turning 34 in June. After a breakup with then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu in August 2020, he attempted to depart Barcelona but was obliged to stay. Now, when he was eager to stay longer, it looks like he is being forced to go.
He was 13 when he joined from Newell's Old Boys, and his stunning
departure signals the end of an era.
Messi has 672 goals and 305 assists in 778 appearances for
Barcelona since making his debut against Espanyol in October 2004.
At the Nou Camp, the 34-year-old has won 35 trophies, including 10
La Liga crowns, four Champions League wins, and seven Copa Del Rey titles.