BREAKING

Messi to leave Barcelona due to ‘financial, structural obstacles’

Striker to leave Spanish club despite both parties having reached an agreement over a new contract.

5 Aug 2021

Updated:

8 minutes ago

Argentina striker Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona despite both parties having reached an agreement over a new contract, the La Liga club said on Thursday, citing economic and structural obstacles to the renewal of deal.

“Although an agreement has been reached between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi it cannot be formalised due to economic and structural obstacles,” said a statement from the club.

“Faced with this situation, Lionel Messi will not remain linked to Barcelona. Both sides deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the club cannot come true.”