Spanish giants, FC Barcelona have confirmed their icon, Lionel Messi, will be leaving the club due to the financial corner Barca found themselves with regards handing the 34-year-old a new contract.
According to a statement by Barcelona, the club and player had reached an agreement and their clear intention to sign a new contract, but that could not become a reality due to the financial and structural obstacles.
“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,” said the club in its statement.
It added, “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 leaving Barcelona renews speculation that the Argentina captain could head to either Manchester City or Paris Saint Germain.
His former teammate at Barcelona, Neymar, posted a photo of them together with other PSG players just a day before news of him not going back to Barcelona broke.
Where will Messi end up now? Share your thoughts about it in the comment section.
