When it seemed like Lionel Messi and Barcelona were finally getting close to an agreement, reports from Spain have stated bombshell news: the Argentine superstar's future would be no longer at the Camp Nou. A few hours later, the Spanish club has confirmed Leo Messi won't re-sign with the Cules.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has already been linked with a move away from Barcelona last season, when he was close to leaving the club as a free agent but lost in the battle with Josep María Bartomeu's board.
Now the soccer community is obviously shocked: he seemed closer than ever to finally putting pen to paper to a new deal. Just like when it happened a year ago, all the headlines will be about Messi's future and what his next club will be.
Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona
The club and the player have apparently reached an agreement, but La Liga's normatives prevented the club from moving forward with Messi's salary. "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)," the club statement read.
"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".
Needless to say, this news came as a shock to the soccer community and even more to Barca fans, who will see a club legend leave after so many years full of success and great memories. Lionel Messi will bid farewell to Barcelona after amassing an impressive 672 goals and 305 assists in 778 games, winning ten La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, among many other major prizes.
