Barcelona’s ace footballer Lionel Messi is all set to quit the club. The shocking news was shared on Thursday night, as Barcelona announced that the club legend will not continue with the Spanish giant. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave the club after 17 years despite both parties reaching an agreement earlier.
A statement on the club’s website read: “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.”
Messi arrived at Barcelona aged 13 made his competitive debut for Barcelona in 2004. He leaves after 17 successful seasons in which he won 35 titles. Four UEFA Champions League crowns, 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, and eight Supercopa de Espana.
Messi had tried to leave Barcelona in August 2020. This was after a breakdown in his relationship with then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu. But successor Joan Laporta convinced him to stay.
Messi has made no immediate public statement so far.
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