The diminutive midfielder has left the Spanish giants due to financial difficulties the club is facing currently
FC Barcelona have officially announced that their captain Lionel Messi will no longer be at the club due to financial difficulties.
The 33-year-old, who became a free agent this summer following the expiration of his contract, leaves Camp Nou after almost three decades at the club.
✅| OFFICIAL STATEMENT: “Despite having reached an agreement between Barça and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it will not be possible to formalize due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations),” a club statement read.
“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,” the statement added.
Messi won several awards and trophies with Barcelona including La Liga, Super Coppa, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
Messi leaves at a time that Barcelona are undoubtedly struggling to find their feet after failing to win La Liga last season.