Argentina striker Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona despite both parties reaching an agreement over a new contract, La Liga club said yesterday, citing economic and structural obstacles to the renewal of deal.
“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 La Liga regulations),” Barca 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 aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”
Messi was free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs after his deal ran out at the end of June, but Barcelona had always maintained he wanted to stay with the club. The 34-year-old was reportedly due to sign a new five-year deal.
Messi had tried to leave Barcelona in August 2020, making a formal request for an exit after a breakdown in his relationship with then President Josep Maria Bartomeu but successor Joan Laporta, who presided over the Argentine’s rise to greatness, convinced him to stay.
Messi, who joined Barca’s youth set-up aged 13, is the club’s all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions.
Barcelona, meanwhile, blamed financial restrictions imposed by La Liga as they confirmed the stunning news that Messi was leaving the club as a free agent.
The Catalan giants have been unable to register any new contracts or player registrations – including Messi and four summer signings – with their league season getting underway in 10 days against Real Sociedad.
The reason for this is that Barca are currently operating above their salary limit – a cap imposed by La Liga, as voted for by its member clubs, that means all clubs must operate within their spending capabilities.
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