Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona

Santiago Leon

3 years ago

Lionel Messi is to part ways with Barcelona, the Spanish giants have confirmed. Both player and club had agreed to a five year contract extension but La Liga’s salary cap rules mean that agreement cannot be met.

“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),” Barcelona said in a statement.

“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 aggrandizement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”