After Contract Talks Fail, Lionel Messi Leaves Barcelona

After failure to renew his contract with Barcelona, Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona. In a statement on Thursday, the soccer club confirmed that Messi will no longer play for FC Barcelona after discussions to renew his contract failed due to “financial and structural obstacles”.

Messi signed with Barcelona at age 13 through their youth program La Masia. Lionel Messi’s first season with the top team was in 2004. After 16 years of service, he leaves as one of the most decorated players in football history.

Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona, official statement by Barcelona:

Barcelona confirmed this on Thursday stating “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).”

Spanish Football Clubs must comply with LaLiga’s salary cap, which includes spending on player salaries and signings. FC Barcelona spends over €600 million on players in some seasons, but this number can dip significantly based upon the club’s financial situation, and especially due to Covid situations this cannot be possible.

After failing to negotiate a new contract with Barcelona, Lionel Messi will be leaving the Spanish soccer club as his current deal expires. It is known that Messi’s salary would have been cut by 50% should he sign on to the new contract offer from Barcelona. Meanwhile, La Liga regulations were a major cause of this decision according to the announcement released by FCB.

“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,” said Barcelona on Thursday.

Messi has been playing for Barcelona all his life and the team thanked him in this final departure statement, “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.”

Lionel Messi’s departure from FC Barcelona is historic for the club because he first joined La Masia in 2000. Out of 778 games, he broke the appearance record previously held by Xavi Hernandez last season when he played his 779th game.

He’s scored 672 career goals for the club and played a crucial role on 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League winner squads. Lionel Messi has officially become a free agent after his contract with the soccer club expired.

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