Confirmed: Lionel Messi To Leave Barcelona

FC Barcelona says Lionel Messi “shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona” adding that “both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled”

“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.“ Reads the official statement from FC Barcelona.

The stunning move marks the end of an era for the soccer legend, who has spent his entire career at Barcelona, notching over a dozen combined La Liga and Champions League titles and winning the Ballon d’Or award as Europe’s top player six times.