OFFICIAL: Barcelona and Lionel Messi part ways

Lionel Messi will no longer be part of Barcelona. Undoubtedly the club's greatest player of all time, Messi will not be playing at Camp Nou next season because of the financial trouble the club is in.

In an official statement on their website, Barcelona said:

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 aggrandizement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.

LATEST NEWS | Leo #Messi will not continue with FC Barcelona

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021

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Lionel Messi leaves behind a rich legacy at Barcelona

Thank you, Leo. pic.twitter.com/cdS9xWe8Me

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021

The Argentina superstar departs Barcelona after winning every possible trophy with the club. Having joined as a boy, Lionel Messi came through the famed La Masia academy and made his senior debut in 2004.

Lionel Messi was an integral part of Pep Guardiola's glory years at Barcelona and established himself as one of the greatest players of all time during his spell at the club.

A long association at Barcelona comes to an end, but his memorable moments of magic will remain long in the hearts of Barcelona and football fans.

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