Barcelona announce Lionel Messi departure

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Lionel Messi's Barcelona contract had come to an end, and "financial obstacles" prevent the signing of a new one, according to the club

Lionel Messi
(Image credit: PA)

Barcelona have said that Lionel Messi will be leaving the club, despite agreeing on new terms to remain at the Nou Camp.

Messi's contract expired in the summer, and despite initial concern that he would join a European rival, the matter appeared to have been settled.

However, Barça have been working to reduce their wage bill – an issue that delayed the confirmation that new signings Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay would be able to play this season – and have now cited this as the reason that the Argentinian forward will leave, announcing on its website that "Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona".

The club says that "both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled", but claims that "financial and structural obstacles" set by La Liga are the reason their record appearance holder will leave.

Messi came close to leaving last year, with Inter Milan initially tipped to land his signature, before serious talk of him being close to signing for Manchester City.

Any potential suitor would now be able to sign Messi on a free transfer, though would expect to pay a substantial salary to the 34-year-old.

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Conor Pope
Conor Pope
Online Editor

Conor Pope is the former Online Editor of FourFourTwo, overseeing all digital content. He plays football regularly, and has a large, discerning and ever-growing collection of football shirts from around the world.

He supports Blackburn Rovers and holds a season ticket with south London non-league side Dulwich Hamlet. His main football passions include Tugay, the San Siro and only using a winter ball when it snows.