Messi Leaves Barcelona After 21 years

Lionel Messi will not extend his Barcelona contract the Spanish club have announced. Messi leaves Barcelona after 21 years at the club.

The Argentine became a free agent after his contract expired in July, now the club has confirmed that he won’t be signing a contract extention.

Barcelona cited financial and structural obstacles as the primary reasons why Messi cannot continue at the club.

“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).

“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.”

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The 34-year-old was in negotiations with the club to renew his contract. He was set to accept a deal that would see him take a pay cut of up to 50 per cent.

However, despite that, the club’s financial situation made it impossible for them to register him for the new season without drastically reducing their wage bill.

Messi moved to the Camp Nou at the age of 13 and progressed through the youth system to make his debut in 2003 when he was just 16.

He has over the years transformed into one of the best players to ever play the game and has definitely written his legacy on the club.

Messi leaves Barcelona having won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns among many other trophies.

Rumours suggest PSG may be the player’s next decision as they are one of the few clubs who would be able to pay his wage demands.

Messi has also stated he would like to return to boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys to finish his career.

Where do you think he will go? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

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