Lionel Messi bid a tearful goodbye to Barcelona after 21 years at the club. Despite both player & club agreeing to a new contract, the league bosses stopped Barcelona from splurging on Messi. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Messi bids a tearful goodbye to Barcelona

Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of action for 10 weeks, the club said on Monday, deepening the Catalans' troubles ahead of the new season following Lionel Messi's shock departure.

Sergio Aguero, a close friend of Messi and his international teammate with Argentina, joined Barca as a free agent in June after 10 years with Manchester City.

Barcelona's statement said Aguero, 33, had injured a tendon in his right calf muscle and would be out for around 10 weeks, meaning he will not make his debut until Oct. 17 at the earliest, when they host Valencia in La Liga.

Sergio Aguero's problem comes after a final season with City blighted by injuries, limiting him to only seven Premier League starts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-harry-kane-quarantining-at-spurs-training-complex-says-manager-nuno-espirito-santo-404160" hreflang="en">Football: Harry Kane quarantining at Spurs' training complex, says manager Nuno Espirito Santo</a>

Barcelona Ronald Koeman is now short of striking options for his team's opening league game against Real Sociedad on Sunday, with Martin Braithwaite, Antoine Griezmann, and Memphis Depay his only available forwards.

Messi is reportedly finalizing a move to Paris St Germain a day after his teary farewell from Barca, who could not afford to sign him to a new contract.

Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of action for 10 weeks, the club said on Monday, deepening the Catalans' troubles ahead of the new season following Lionel Messi's shock departure.

Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of action for 10 weeks, the club said on Monday, deepening the Catalans' troubles ahead of the new season following Lionel Messi's shock departure. Sergio Aguero, a close friend of Messi and his international teammate with Argentina, joined Barca as a free agent in June after 10 years with Manchester City. Barcelona's statement said Aguero, 33, had injured a tendon in his right calf muscle and would be out for around 10 weeks, meaning he will not make his debut until Oct. 17 at the earliest, when they host Valencia in La Liga. Sergio Aguero's problem comes after a final season with City blighted by injuries, limiting him to only seven Premier League starts. ALSO READ: Football: Harry Kane quarantining at Spurs' training complex, says manager Nuno Espirito Santo Barcelona Ronald Koeman is now short of striking options for his team's opening league game against Real Sociedad on Sunday, with Martin Braithwaite, Antoine Griezmann, and Memphis Depay his only available forwards. Messi is reportedly finalizing a move to Paris St Germain a day after his teary farewell from Barca, who could not afford to sign him to a new contract.

Football: More problems for Barcelona as Sergio Aguero ruled out for 10 weeks

After beating Juventus 3-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy, FC Barcelona's Gerard Pique said the team felt inadequate without having Lionel Messi around although the club will keep on pushing ahead.&nbsp;

Pique, the Barcelona defender, said the team feels a bit broken subsequent to losing the 'best player ever', Lionel Messi.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-i-am-not-ready-tearful-lionel-messi-breaks-down-while-bidding-barcelona-good-bye-watch-403985" hreflang="en">Football: 'I am not ready': 'Tearful' Lionel Messi breaks down while bidding Barcelona good bye - WATCH</a>

"The team was honestly a bit broken because of Messi's departure, we will lose magic in attack, but we have to move forward, the fans expect a lot from us. We lost&nbsp;the best player of all time. It has hurt us and it hurt him too," he said.

"I don't know the whole story, the two parties have said that it has been a matter of numbers.&nbsp;The management of the last years hasn't helped, but history shows that we will get up," he added.

In spite of losing Lionel Messi this mid year, Gerard Pique said they have to play for the Barcelona fans who will keep on supporting the club regardless of the exit of six-time Ballon d'Or champion.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Football: Paris Saint-Germain is a 'possibility', admits Lionel Messi">Football: Paris Saint-Germain is a 'possibility', admits Lionel Messi</a>

“People really want to come to the stadium and we have to cheer the fans. We have to start winning and give them nice things. We need the fans with us.”

Barcelona played against Juventus after the team went to Lionel Messi's last press conference. The Catalan goliaths recorded a determined 3-0 win over Juventus with goals from Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig.

After beating Juventus 3-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy, FC Barcelona's Gerard Pique said the team felt inadequate without having Lionel Messi around although the club will keep on pushing ahead.

After beating Juventus 3-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy, FC Barcelona's Gerard Pique said the team felt inadequate without having Lionel Messi around although the club will keep on pushing ahead. Pique, the Barcelona defender, said the team feels a bit broken subsequent to losing the 'best player ever', Lionel Messi. ALSO READ: Football: 'I am not ready': 'Tearful' Lionel Messi breaks down while bidding Barcelona good bye - WATCH "The team was honestly a bit broken because of Messi's departure, we will lose magic in attack, but we have to move forward, the fans expect a lot from us. We lost the best player of all time. It has hurt us and it hurt him too," he said. "I don't know the whole story, the two parties have said that it has been a matter of numbers. The management of the last years hasn't helped, but history shows that we will get up," he added. In spite of losing Lionel Messi this mid year, Gerard Pique said they have to play for the Barcelona fans who will keep on supporting the club regardless of the exit of six-time Ballon d'Or champion. ALSO READ: Football: Paris Saint-Germain is a 'possibility', admits Lionel Messi “People really want to come to the stadium and we have to cheer the fans. We have to start winning and give them nice things. We need the fans with us.” Barcelona played against Juventus after the team went to Lionel Messi's last press conference. The Catalan goliaths recorded a determined 3-0 win over Juventus with goals from Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite and Riqui Puig.

Football: 'We lost the best player of all time,' Gerard Pique on Lionel Messi's exit from FC Barcelona

Initially silent on the shocking exit of Lionel Messi, the Barcelona players have now started bidding emotional farewells to the Argentinian great. Messi, who had joined Barcelona aged 13, was expected to sign a new five-year deal. However, in turn of events, the La Liga club announced that the negotiations fell apart due to "financial and structural obstacles" to the renewal of the deal.&nbsp;

Players of the current Barcelona team and also some of the former Barca players&nbsp;have sent their wishes with emotional posts on social media. Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba were among the first ones to share&nbsp;their thoughts and say goodbye to the forward. French duo Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann also wished Messi for his future.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/lionel-messi-leaves-barcelona-a-record-breaking-career-in-pictures-psg-403520">Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: A record breaking career in pictures</a>

On one hand, Alba thanked Messi for "everything you [Messi] have given to the club", Pique went on to say that "nothing will ever be the same". See some of the reactions here:&nbsp;

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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/5sergiob?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@5sergiob</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/fZ588SZQam">pic.twitter.com/fZ588SZQam</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423705436595838978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/SergiRoberto10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SergiRoberto10</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/eBOcAAq7o5">pic.twitter.com/eBOcAAq7o5</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423758278400561158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/3gerardpique?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@3gerardpique</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/4WoWw5nG0R">pic.twitter.com/4WoWw5nG0R</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423739403386593281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/AntoGriezmann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AntoGriezmann</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/QO30UEBeEo">pic.twitter.com/QO30UEBeEo</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423773377144270854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/Miralem_Pjanic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Miralem_Pjanic</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/uukWiQZuxY">pic.twitter.com/uukWiQZuxY</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423788477045424138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/pZLxpRTQqT">pic.twitter.com/pZLxpRTQqT</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423811127243329537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-really-sad-lionel-messis-exit-sends-shockwave-through-barcelona-403443">'Really, really sad': Lionel Messi's exit sends shockwave through Barcelona</a>

In a lengthy post, Alba wrote, "What a privilege to have been able to share these 9 seasons together. What beautiful experiences we have enjoyed and how we have overcome difficult moments. I was lucky enough to be able to live your first goal in 2005 against Albacete at the Camp Nou and I never thought that one day we would have that complicity that with just a glance we understood each other. How we have enjoyed on the field with your passes in the race and my back pass, how well it worked for us.

"How am I going to miss it!

"You are not only the greatest player in the history of football, but you are also an exceptional human being. Friend, thank you from the heart for everything you have given to the club, for your friendship, for your support in the gray days, for the great moments lived that will remain forever in our memory. I wish you and your whole family the best in your new adventure. A big hug, I love you brother."

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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/JordiAlba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JordiAlba</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/ML4QTCuim1">pic.twitter.com/ML4QTCuim1</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423796034115936260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Messi is the club's all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions. He has created several records while playing alongside greats like Xavi and&nbsp;Carles Puyol&nbsp;at the beginning of his career.&nbsp;

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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From Xavi to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/UO3ChoDgBS">pic.twitter.com/UO3ChoDgBS</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423724304110284803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/Carles5puyol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Carles5puyol</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/TCmlQ6IlIf">pic.twitter.com/TCmlQ6IlIf</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423735629641392135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Young players like Riqui Puig and Ansu Fati also thanked Messi - the "best player in the world" and how he encouraged them.&nbsp;

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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/ANSUFATI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANSUFATI</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/J2XaaYL1KX">pic.twitter.com/J2XaaYL1KX</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423690333389475846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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💙❤️ Blaugrana Love 
From <a href="https://twitter.com/RiquiPuig?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RiquiPuig</a> to Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>: <a href="https://t.co/dNDG7nPC8o">pic.twitter.com/dNDG7nPC8o</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423743178532868096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Initially silent on the shocking exit of Lionel Messi, the Barcelona players have now started bidding emotional farewells to the Argentinian great. Messi, who had joined Barcelona aged 13, was expected to sign a new five-year deal.

Initially silent on the shocking exit of Lionel Messi, the Barcelona players have now started bidding emotional farewells to the Argentinian great. Messi, who had joined Barcelona aged 13, was expected to sign a new five-year deal. However, in turn of events, the La Liga club announced that the negotiations fell apart due to "financial and structural obstacles" to the renewal of the deal. Players of the current Barcelona team and also some of the former Barca players have sent their wishes with emotional posts on social media. Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba were among the first ones to share their thoughts and say goodbye to the forward. French duo Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann also wished Messi for his future. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: A record breaking career in pictures On one hand, Alba thanked Messi for "everything you [Messi] have given to the club", Pique went on to say that "nothing will ever be the same". See some of the reactions here: 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @5sergiob to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/fZ588SZQam — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 × 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @SergiRoberto10 to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/eBOcAAq7o5 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 × 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @3gerardpique to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/4WoWw5nG0R — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 × 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @AntoGriezmann to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/QO30UEBeEo — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 × 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @Miralem_Pjanic to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/uukWiQZuxY — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 × 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @Phil_Coutinho to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/pZLxpRTQqT — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 7, 2021 × ALSO READ | 'Really, really sad': Lionel Messi's exit sends shockwave through Barcelona In a lengthy post, Alba wrote, "What a privilege to have been able to share these 9 seasons together. What beautiful experiences we have enjoyed and how we have overcome difficult moments. I was lucky enough to be able to live your first goal in 2005 against Albacete at the Camp Nou and I never thought that one day we would have that complicity that with just a glance we understood each other. How we have enjoyed on the field with your passes in the race and my back pass, how well it worked for us. "How am I going to miss it! "You are not only the greatest player in the history of football, but you are also an exceptional human being. Friend, thank you from the heart for everything you have given to the club, for your friendship, for your support in the gray days, for the great moments lived that will remain forever in our memory. I wish you and your whole family the best in your new adventure. A big hug, I love you brother." 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @JordiAlba to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/ML4QTCuim1 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 7, 2021 × Messi is the club's all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions. He has created several records while playing alongside greats like Xavi and Carles Puyol at the beginning of his career. 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From Xavi to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/UO3ChoDgBS — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 × 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @Carles5puyol to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/TCmlQ6IlIf — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 × Young players like Riqui Puig and Ansu Fati also thanked Messi - the "best player in the world" and how he encouraged them. 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @ANSUFATI to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/J2XaaYL1KX — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 × 💙❤️ Blaugrana Love From @RiquiPuig to Leo #Messi: pic.twitter.com/dNDG7nPC8o — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 6, 2021 ×

'Nothing will be same': Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and other Barcelona players bid farewell to Lionel Messi

Barcelona was forced to let star player Lionel Messi leave the club because his high wages coupled with strict La Liga financial rules could have jeopardised its future, President Joan Laporta said on Friday. 
 
Both the club, which has suffered steep losses recently, and 34-year-old Messi had wanted to sign a new contract. But the Argentine's deal would have taken salaries to 110% of the club's earnings, a financially risky move given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laporta said. 
 
"The club is above everything - even above the best player in the world," Laporta told a news conference. 
 
"We reached agreement but couldn't formalise it, because of the club's economic situation, which means we can't register the player due to salary limits," he said.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/lionel-messi-leaves-barcelona-a-record-breaking-career-in-pictures-psg-403520">Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: A record breaking career in pictures</a> 
 
Without Messi's wages, salaries would account for 95% of Barcelona's income, while ideally, they should not exceed 70%, "so there's still a lot of work to be done", Laporta said. 
 
Messi had wanted to sign a new contract at Barcelona on reduced terms, reportedly 50% below his latest pay, but the club was unable to come up with an arrangement that also complied with the financial rules of Spain's La Liga competition. 
 
Messi's last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo. Forbes has listed him as the athlete with the world's second-highest earnings in 2021, at $130 million. 
 
"To suddenly end like this when you thought he was already contracted again... It's really sad, really really sad," said 36-year-old student and Barca fan Jose Rivero, standing on the street in the Catalan capital. 
 
Even fans of arch-rivals Real Madrid were sorry to see Messi leave. 
 
"I consider Messi one of the best, if not the best player of all time," said newsstand owner Roberto, 63, at his kiosk in the Spanish capital. 
 
Laporta said the club had lined up two new deals with Messi, firstly a two-year deal made payable over five years, and then a separate five-year deal, but could not get either deal done because of La Liga's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-really-sad-lionel-messis-exit-sends-shockwave-through-barcelona-403443">'Really, really sad': Lionel Messi's exit sends shockwave through Barcelona</a> 
 
Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi did not reply to Reuters'&nbsp;requests for comment. 
 
Laporta said they would have been able to get Messi's deal over the line had they agreed to La Liga's proposed 2.7 billion euro injection from CVC https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/spains-la-liga-agrees-sell-10-stake-cvc-nyt-2021-08-04, but he was not willing to gamble on that for the short-term gain, while the club considered CVC's investment well below what 10% of La Liga is worth. 
 
"In order to meet FFP, Barca had to agree to an operation, essentially re-mortgaging the club, which would affect us for the next 50 years in terms of TV rights, and I had to make the decision," he said. 
 
La Liga president Javier Tebas wrote on Twitter however that the CVC deal would not mortgage those rights for 50 years, but rather "ensure they are more valuable for all clubs". 
 
FINANCIAL WOES 
 
Laporta said the coronavirus-impacted 2020-21 season's financial losses, now put around 400 million euros, would be double what had been expected and the club needed to think about its future rather than putting itself "at risk for the next 50 years" just for the sake of just meeting FFP criteria. 
 
Messi has been at the club for all of his playing career, but Barcelona announced on Thursday that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner would leave after 18 years. 
 
Barca's all-time top scorer and appearance maker technically ended his 21-year association with the club at the end of June and is currently a free agent after his previous contract expired. 
 
Messi, who joined Barcelona aged 13, has helped the club claim 10 league titles, four Champions Leagues and three Club World Cups during a glittering career. 
 
The Argentine's next move remains unclear and for now he remains without a club ahead of the 2021-2022 season. 
 
He has long been linked with a move to Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola or France's Paris St Germain. 
 
PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters on Friday that Messi is an "option" that is being evaluated by the club, without elaborating. 
 
Manchester City's Guardiola said the Premier League champions had no plans to make a move for Messi.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-psg-man-city-inter-miami-this-club-has-already-made-a-direct-contact-with-lionel-messi-403399">Football: PSG, Man City, Inter Miami? This club has already made a direct contact with Lionel Messi</a> 
 
Still, some observers believe that the announcement of Messi's departure is actually Barca boldly calling La Liga's bluff over its financial rules. 
 
Laporta lamented the financial situation that he had inherited from former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, describing it as "far, far worse" than anticipated. 
 
"I don't want to go on and on about the situation we inherited, and the awful decisions that were made in the past. We have gone from bad to worse," he said. 
 
(Reporting by Joseph Walker, Nathan Allen and Joan Faus; Additional reporting by Jordi Rubio and Luis Felipe Castilleja; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Hugh Lawson)

Barcelona was forced to let star player Lionel Messi leave the club because his high wages coupled with strict La Liga financial rules could have jeopardised its future, President Joan Laporta said on Friday.

Barcelona was forced to let star player Lionel Messi leave the club because his high wages coupled with strict La Liga financial rules could have jeopardised its future, President Joan Laporta said on Friday. Both the club, which has suffered steep losses recently, and 34-year-old Messi had wanted to sign a new contract. But the Argentine's deal would have taken salaries to 110% of the club's earnings, a financially risky move given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laporta said. "The club is above everything - even above the best player in the world," Laporta told a news conference. "We reached agreement but couldn't formalise it, because of the club's economic situation, which means we can't register the player due to salary limits," he said. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: A record breaking career in pictures Without Messi's wages, salaries would account for 95% of Barcelona's income, while ideally, they should not exceed 70%, "so there's still a lot of work to be done", Laporta said. Messi had wanted to sign a new contract at Barcelona on reduced terms, reportedly 50% below his latest pay, but the club was unable to come up with an arrangement that also complied with the financial rules of Spain's La Liga competition. Messi's last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo. Forbes has listed him as the athlete with the world's second-highest earnings in 2021, at $130 million. "To suddenly end like this when you thought he was already contracted again... It's really sad, really really sad," said 36-year-old student and Barca fan Jose Rivero, standing on the street in the Catalan capital. Even fans of arch-rivals Real Madrid were sorry to see Messi leave. "I consider Messi one of the best, if not the best player of all time," said newsstand owner Roberto, 63, at his kiosk in the Spanish capital. Laporta said the club had lined up two new deals with Messi, firstly a two-year deal made payable over five years, and then a separate five-year deal, but could not get either deal done because of La Liga's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. ALSO READ | 'Really, really sad': Lionel Messi's exit sends shockwave through Barcelona Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi did not reply to Reuters' requests for comment. Laporta said they would have been able to get Messi's deal over the line had they agreed to La Liga's proposed 2.7 billion euro injection from CVC https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/spains-la-liga-agrees-sell-10-stake-cvc-nyt-2021-08-04, but he was not willing to gamble on that for the short-term gain, while the club considered CVC's investment well below what 10% of La Liga is worth. "In order to meet FFP, Barca had to agree to an operation, essentially re-mortgaging the club, which would affect us for the next 50 years in terms of TV rights, and I had to make the decision," he said. La Liga president Javier Tebas wrote on Twitter however that the CVC deal would not mortgage those rights for 50 years, but rather "ensure they are more valuable for all clubs". FINANCIAL WOES Laporta said the coronavirus-impacted 2020-21 season's financial losses, now put around 400 million euros, would be double what had been expected and the club needed to think about its future rather than putting itself "at risk for the next 50 years" just for the sake of just meeting FFP criteria. Messi has been at the club for all of his playing career, but Barcelona announced on Thursday that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner would leave after 18 years. Barca's all-time top scorer and appearance maker technically ended his 21-year association with the club at the end of June and is currently a free agent after his previous contract expired. Messi, who joined Barcelona aged 13, has helped the club claim 10 league titles, four Champions Leagues and three Club World Cups during a glittering career. The Argentine's next move remains unclear and for now he remains without a club ahead of the 2021-2022 season. He has long been linked with a move to Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola or France's Paris St Germain. PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters on Friday that Messi is an "option" that is being evaluated by the club, without elaborating. Manchester City's Guardiola said the Premier League champions had no plans to make a move for Messi. ALSO READ | Football: PSG, Man City, Inter Miami? This club has already made a direct contact with Lionel Messi Still, some observers believe that the announcement of Messi's departure is actually Barca boldly calling La Liga's bluff over its financial rules. Laporta lamented the financial situation that he had inherited from former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, describing it as "far, far worse" than anticipated. "I don't want to go on and on about the situation we inherited, and the awful decisions that were made in the past. We have gone from bad to worse," he said. (Reporting by Joseph Walker, Nathan Allen and Joan Faus; Additional reporting by Jordi Rubio and Luis Felipe Castilleja; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Hugh Lawson)

Barcelona says even cut-price Lionel Messi too expensive to keep

Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona due to "financial and structural obstacles"&nbsp;to the renewal of deal, the La Liga club said on Thursday (August 5).&nbsp;

Read club's statement:

"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 La 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 aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life."

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LATEST NEWS | Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> will not continue with FC Barcelona
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423341016455819271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Messi was free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs after his deal ran out at the end of June, but Barcelona had always maintained he wanted to stay with the club. The 34-year-old was reported to sign a new five-year deal.

Messi had tried to leave Barcelona in August 2020, making a formal request for an exit after a break down in his relationship with then president Josep Maria Bartomeu but successor Joan Laporta, who presided over the Argentine's rise to greatness, convinced him to stay.

Messi, who joined Barca's youth set up aged 13, is the club's all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions.

(with inputs from agencies)

Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona due to "financial and structural obstacles" to the renewal of deal, the La Liga club said on Thursday (August 5). Read club's statement: "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 La Liga regulations)" "As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona.

Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona due to "financial and structural obstacles" to the renewal of deal, the La Liga club said on Thursday (August 5). Read club's statement: "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 La 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 aggrandisement 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 × Messi was free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs after his deal ran out at the end of June, but Barcelona had always maintained he wanted to stay with the club. The 34-year-old was reported to sign a new five-year deal. Messi had tried to leave Barcelona in August 2020, making a formal request for an exit after a break down in his relationship with then president Josep Maria Bartomeu but successor Joan Laporta, who presided over the Argentine's rise to greatness, convinced him to stay. Messi, who joined Barca's youth set up aged 13, is the club's all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions. (with inputs from agencies)

Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona due to 'financial and structural obstacles', says club

For the second time in a month football dominated both the front and back pages of newspapers in Argentina as a shocked nation dissected the news that Lionel Messi was leaving Barcelona. 
 
A month after the Rosario-born superstar led the national team to their first major title in 28 years, Messi was again the centre of attention as the club announced he would end his 18-year relationship with them and not sign a new playing contract. 
 
Following Diego Maradona's death last year, Messi is the best-known face in Argentine sport and a category apart for the country's media.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-to-leave-barcelona-due-to-financial-and-structural-obstacles-says-club-403279">Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona due to 'financial and structural obstacles', says club</a> 
 
Most news sites have sections dedicated to domestic leagues, the national team, rugby and other sports. Most also have one exclusively for Messi, such is the volume of news he generates. 
 
So the unexpected news of his split with Barcelona dominated the headlines in his homeland, with some newspapers live blogging the news and updates. 
 
Broadcaster TyC Sports had 14 Messi-related stories on their home page; the normally staid La Nacion and sports newspaper Ole had seven each. 
 
Television and radio discussed the reasons for the split and speculated on where he might go now. Some even had correspondents reporting live from outside Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-barcelona-join-real-madrid-in-rejecting-la-ligas-proposed-cvc-investment-403282">Barcelona join Real Madrid in rejecting La Liga's proposed CVC investment</a> 
 
Messi had been expected to sign a deal to keep him at the club he joined as a 13-year old but the Catalan giants were unable to restructure their finances and remain within La Liga's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, even as Messi was reported to have accepted a reduced salary. 
 
La Liga chief Javier Tebas said last month that Barcelona, who have a total debt of more than 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion), would not be shown any leniency when it comes to obeying the league's strict financial control rules. 
 
The news of Messi's exit came a day after La Liga agreed in principle to sell 10% of a newly formed company housing most of its business to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for 2.7 billion euros. 
 
In addition to the news of his departure, much of Thursday’s coverage involved memes, statistics and recaps of Messi’s glittering career. 
 
Some tried to explain the CVC deal and the FFP regulations. 
 
Others seemed to find it all a bit hard to believe. La Nacion asked: ‘What if Messi stays at Barcelona?’ 
 
($1 = 0.8451 euros)

For the second time in a month football dominated both the front and back pages of newspapers in Argentina as a shocked nation dissected the news that Lionel Messi was leaving Barcelona.

For the second time in a month football dominated both the front and back pages of newspapers in Argentina as a shocked nation dissected the news that Lionel Messi was leaving Barcelona. A month after the Rosario-born superstar led the national team to their first major title in 28 years, Messi was again the centre of attention as the club announced he would end his 18-year relationship with them and not sign a new playing contract. Following Diego Maradona's death last year, Messi is the best-known face in Argentine sport and a category apart for the country's media. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona due to 'financial and structural obstacles', says club Most news sites have sections dedicated to domestic leagues, the national team, rugby and other sports. Most also have one exclusively for Messi, such is the volume of news he generates. So the unexpected news of his split with Barcelona dominated the headlines in his homeland, with some newspapers live blogging the news and updates. Broadcaster TyC Sports had 14 Messi-related stories on their home page; the normally staid La Nacion and sports newspaper Ole had seven each. Television and radio discussed the reasons for the split and speculated on where he might go now. Some even had correspondents reporting live from outside Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium. ALSO READ | Barcelona join Real Madrid in rejecting La Liga's proposed CVC investment Messi had been expected to sign a deal to keep him at the club he joined as a 13-year old but the Catalan giants were unable to restructure their finances and remain within La Liga's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, even as Messi was reported to have accepted a reduced salary. La Liga chief Javier Tebas said last month that Barcelona, who have a total debt of more than 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion), would not be shown any leniency when it comes to obeying the league's strict financial control rules. The news of Messi's exit came a day after La Liga agreed in principle to sell 10% of a newly formed company housing most of its business to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for 2.7 billion euros. In addition to the news of his departure, much of Thursday’s coverage involved memes, statistics and recaps of Messi’s glittering career. Some tried to explain the CVC deal and the FFP regulations. Others seemed to find it all a bit hard to believe. La Nacion asked: ‘What if Messi stays at Barcelona?’ ($1 = 0.8451 euros)

Football: Disbelief in Argentina as Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona

Barcelona joined rivals Real Madrid&nbsp;on Thursday in denouncing a proposed multi-billion-dollar investment and revenue-sharing deal between Spain's top soccer league, La Liga, and private equity firm CVC. 
 
The statement came in the aftermath of the club announcing all-time top scorer Lionel Messi would leave the Camp Nou after 18 years due to financial constraints put on them by La Liga. [L1N2PC2AX] 
 
The Spanish football league on Wednesday announced that CVC would inject 2.7 billion euros ($3.2 billion) into La Liga in exchange for 10% of its revenue and a 10% stake in most of its business, with 90% of the injection going to clubs.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-to-leave-barcelona-due-to-financial-and-structural-obstacles-says-club-403279">Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona due to 'financial and structural obstacles', says club</a> 
 
"FC Barcelona considers that the operation that has been announced has not been sufficiently discussed with the clubs (the owners of the TV rights); that the amount is not congruent with the years of duration, and the deal affects part of all clubs'&nbsp;audiovisual rights for the next 50 years," a club statement read. 
 
"The terms of the contract that La Liga is describing condemn Barcelona’s future with regard to broadcasting rights. 
 
"FC Barcelona wishes to express its surprise at an agreement driven by LaLiga in which the teams’ opinions, including those of FC Barcelona, have not been taken into account. 
 
"There has not even been a presentation of options offered by other competitors in order to evaluate the pros and cons in a post-pandemic situation in which there are still many questions that are left unanswered." 
 
Barca, along with Real and Juventus of Italy, remain wedded to the ill-fated European Super League idea that was announced earlier this year, but collapsed after fan backlash as nine of the 12 founder clubs pulled out. 
 
The Spanish football league's Executive Committee, which includes the bosses of Atletico Madrid and Sevilla but not those of Real or Barca, approved the planned CVC deal on Wednesday and it will now be put to a vote by all league members from the top two divisions.

Barcelona joined rivals Real Madrid on Thursday in denouncing a proposed multi-billion-dollar investment and revenue-sharing deal between Spain's top soccer league, La Liga, and private equity firm CVC.

Barcelona joined rivals Real Madrid on Thursday in denouncing a proposed multi-billion-dollar investment and revenue-sharing deal between Spain's top soccer league, La Liga, and private equity firm CVC. The statement came in the aftermath of the club announcing all-time top scorer Lionel Messi would leave the Camp Nou after 18 years due to financial constraints put on them by La Liga. [L1N2PC2AX] The Spanish football league on Wednesday announced that CVC would inject 2.7 billion euros ($3.2 billion) into La Liga in exchange for 10% of its revenue and a 10% stake in most of its business, with 90% of the injection going to clubs. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona due to 'financial and structural obstacles', says club "FC Barcelona considers that the operation that has been announced has not been sufficiently discussed with the clubs (the owners of the TV rights); that the amount is not congruent with the years of duration, and the deal affects part of all clubs' audiovisual rights for the next 50 years," a club statement read. "The terms of the contract that La Liga is describing condemn Barcelona’s future with regard to broadcasting rights. "FC Barcelona wishes to express its surprise at an agreement driven by LaLiga in which the teams’ opinions, including those of FC Barcelona, have not been taken into account. "There has not even been a presentation of options offered by other competitors in order to evaluate the pros and cons in a post-pandemic situation in which there are still many questions that are left unanswered." Barca, along with Real and Juventus of Italy, remain wedded to the ill-fated European Super League idea that was announced earlier this year, but collapsed after fan backlash as nine of the 12 founder clubs pulled out. The Spanish football league's Executive Committee, which includes the bosses of Atletico Madrid and Sevilla but not those of Real or Barca, approved the planned CVC deal on Wednesday and it will now be put to a vote by all league members from the top two divisions.

Football: Barcelona join Real Madrid in rejecting La Liga's proposed CVC investment

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona truly marks the end of an era in football. The Argentine who signed his first contract with Barcelona in 2000 on a napkin when he was 13 ended his ties with the club after two decades.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/lionel-messi-leaves-barcelona-a-record-breaking-career-in-pictures-psg-403520" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: A record-breaking career in pictures</a>

Barcelona President Joan Laporta addressed the media over the news and a contract with Messi would put the club into economical jeopardy.&nbsp;

“There are objective reasons regarding the economical situation at the club and an investment of that volume with the contract of Messi was risky,” Laporta said.

“We wanted to assume those risks, but when we realised the real situation of the club after the audit, it meant that we would have put the club in great risk.” He said Messi and the club did everything possible to make the contract work but it wasn't possible without hurting Barcelona's finances.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatantly-racist-twitter-slams-juventus-fc-for-posting-racist-picture-of-cecilia-salvai-403495" hreflang="en">'Blatantly racist': Twitter slams Juventus FC for posting racist picture of Cecilia Salvai</a>

“After all of this negotiation process, there comes a moment where you need to say enough,'" Laporta said.

“You need to analyse rigorously with a cold head and look at the numbers. And in the Spanish league we have to abide by the rules. We think they could be more flexible, but that's not an excuse, we knew the regulation. We couldn't abide by it because of the inheritance we had.” Laporta said.

“We think Barcelona is above all,” Laporta said.

“The club is over 100 years old and is above everyone, even above the best player in the world. The club goes over players, coaches, presidents.”&nbsp;

Messi is the club's all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions. Messi was free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs after his deal ran out at the end of June, but Barcelona had always maintained he wanted to stay with the club. The 34-year-old was reported to sign a new five-year deal.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona truly marks the end of an era in football. The Argentine who signed his first contract with Barcelona in 2000 on a napkin when he was 13 ended his ties with the club after two decades.

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona truly marks the end of an era in football. The Argentine who signed his first contract with Barcelona in 2000 on a napkin when he was 13 ended his ties with the club after two decades. IN PICS| Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: A record-breaking career in pictures Barcelona President Joan Laporta addressed the media over the news and a contract with Messi would put the club into economical jeopardy. “There are objective reasons regarding the economical situation at the club and an investment of that volume with the contract of Messi was risky,” Laporta said. “We wanted to assume those risks, but when we realised the real situation of the club after the audit, it meant that we would have put the club in great risk.” He said Messi and the club did everything possible to make the contract work but it wasn't possible without hurting Barcelona's finances. ALSO READ: 'Blatantly racist': Twitter slams Juventus FC for posting racist picture of Cecilia Salvai “After all of this negotiation process, there comes a moment where you need to say enough,'" Laporta said. “You need to analyse rigorously with a cold head and look at the numbers. And in the Spanish league we have to abide by the rules. We think they could be more flexible, but that's not an excuse, we knew the regulation. We couldn't abide by it because of the inheritance we had.” Laporta said. “We think Barcelona is above all,” Laporta said. “The club is over 100 years old and is above everyone, even above the best player in the world. The club goes over players, coaches, presidents.” Messi is the club's all-time top scorer and appearance maker with 672 goals in 778 games in all competitions. Messi was free to negotiate a transfer with other clubs after his deal ran out at the end of June, but Barcelona had always maintained he wanted to stay with the club. The 34-year-old was reported to sign a new five-year deal.

Football - 'Would have put Barcelona in great risk': Prez Joan Laporta on Messi's departure

FC Barcelona fans were left reeling on Friday after the club announced that star striker Lionel Messi would be leaving the Camp Nou, where he has spent his entire professional career. 
 
Messi, now 34, had been expected to sign a new five-year deal, but negotiations fell apart at the last hurdle on Thursday night, with the club blaming financial restrictions imposed by La Liga. 
 
"To suddenly end like this when you thought he was already contracted again... It`s really sad, really really sad," said 36-year-old student and Barca fan Jose Rivero, standing on the street in the Catalan capital.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-psg-man-city-inter-miami-this-club-has-already-made-a-direct-contact-with-lionel-messi-403399">Football: PSG, Man City, Inter Miami? This club has already made a direct contact with Lionel Messi</a> 
 
Messi, who joined Barcelona aged 13, is the club`s all-time top scorer, helping them claim 10 league titles, four Champions Leagues and three Club World Cups during a glittering career. 
 
Full page photographs of the six-time Ballon d`Or winner were splashed across the front pages of Spain`s newspapers, while regional newspaper El Periodico ran with the one-word headline "Unbelievable." 
 
"We`ve been used to having Messi for 20 years and this day was always going to arrive. Now it`s here," said Tsvetan Georgiev, 36, a carpenter in Barcelona. "We have to accept it and support him wherever he wants to go." 
 
With debts of more than 1 billion euros, Barcelona would have needed financial restructuring to resign Messi, whose last contract in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport, according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-to-leave-barcelona-due-to-financial-and-structural-obstacles-says-club-403279" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona due to 'financial and structural obstacles'</a> 
 
However, they failed to sufficiently reduce their wage bill to stay within La Liga`s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. 
 
The Argentine`s next move remains unclear, and for now he is without a club ahead of the 2021-2022 season. 
 
He has long been linked with a move to Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola or France`s Paris St Germain, which according to The Athletic, has already made overtures. 
 
Still, some observers believe that the announcement of Messi`s departure is actually Barca boldly calling La Liga`s bluff over its FFP rules.

FC Barcelona fans were left reeling on Friday after the club announced that star striker Lionel Messi would be leaving the Camp Nou, where he has spent his entire professional career.

FC Barcelona fans were left reeling on Friday after the club announced that star striker Lionel Messi would be leaving the Camp Nou, where he has spent his entire professional career. Messi, now 34, had been expected to sign a new five-year deal, but negotiations fell apart at the last hurdle on Thursday night, with the club blaming financial restrictions imposed by La Liga. "To suddenly end like this when you thought he was already contracted again... It`s really sad, really really sad," said 36-year-old student and Barca fan Jose Rivero, standing on the street in the Catalan capital. ALSO READ | Football: PSG, Man City, Inter Miami? This club has already made a direct contact with Lionel Messi Messi, who joined Barcelona aged 13, is the club`s all-time top scorer, helping them claim 10 league titles, four Champions Leagues and three Club World Cups during a glittering career. Full page photographs of the six-time Ballon d`Or winner were splashed across the front pages of Spain`s newspapers, while regional newspaper El Periodico ran with the one-word headline "Unbelievable." "We`ve been used to having Messi for 20 years and this day was always going to arrive. Now it`s here," said Tsvetan Georgiev, 36, a carpenter in Barcelona. "We have to accept it and support him wherever he wants to go." With debts of more than 1 billion euros, Barcelona would have needed financial restructuring to resign Messi, whose last contract in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport, according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi to leave Barcelona due to 'financial and structural obstacles' However, they failed to sufficiently reduce their wage bill to stay within La Liga`s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. The Argentine`s next move remains unclear, and for now he is without a club ahead of the 2021-2022 season. He has long been linked with a move to Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola or France`s Paris St Germain, which according to The Athletic, has already made overtures. Still, some observers believe that the announcement of Messi`s departure is actually Barca boldly calling La Liga`s bluff over its FFP rules.

'Really, really sad': Lionel Messi's exit sends shockwave through Barcelona

Spanish giants Barcelona on Monday have said that they had "ended out of court in an amicable fashion" the various lawsuits against their former star Neymar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-world-no1-novak-djokovic-remains-on-track-for-gold-medal-400766" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: World no.1 Novak Djokovic remains on track for gold medal</a>

"As such, a transactional agreement between the club and the player has been signed to end the legal cases that were pending between the two parties," the club said in a statement.

Last year, Barcelona decided to sue PSG star Neymar for nearly $12 million, which is the same amount they believe they overpaid the Brazilian during his time in Spain, as per a report in El Mundo.

Neymar Jr. had a successful spell for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, before the Brazilian decided to join the French club Paris Saint-Germain on a record transfer fee of 222 million euros ($262 million).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/condoms-and-sex-at-tokyo-olympics-awareness-creation-restrictions-and-pushback-400698" hreflang="en">Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback</a>

However, as per Spanish newspaper El Mundo, an inspection from the tax office in Spain showed Barcelona "did not make the appropriate reductions when paying Neymar’s taxes, according to an inspection carried out on Barcelona which lasted until 2015".

According to the Spanish tax office's calculation, Neymar benefitted from "unfair enrichment". A source close to Barcelona told AFP that the club will now seek to reclaim the amount they are owed.

As per an official document released in September, the Brazilian striker has more unpaid tax with the Spanish authorities than any other person, with debts of 34.6 million euros.&nbsp;

Spanish giants Barcelona on Monday have said that they had "ended out of court in an amicable fashion" the various lawsuits against their former star Neymar. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: World no.

Spanish giants Barcelona on Monday have said that they had "ended out of court in an amicable fashion" the various lawsuits against their former star Neymar. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: World no.1 Novak Djokovic remains on track for gold medal "As such, a transactional agreement between the club and the player has been signed to end the legal cases that were pending between the two parties," the club said in a statement. Last year, Barcelona decided to sue PSG star Neymar for nearly $12 million, which is the same amount they believe they overpaid the Brazilian during his time in Spain, as per a report in El Mundo. Neymar Jr. had a successful spell for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, before the Brazilian decided to join the French club Paris Saint-Germain on a record transfer fee of 222 million euros ($262 million). ALSO READ: Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback However, as per Spanish newspaper El Mundo, an inspection from the tax office in Spain showed Barcelona "did not make the appropriate reductions when paying Neymar’s taxes, according to an inspection carried out on Barcelona which lasted until 2015". According to the Spanish tax office's calculation, Neymar benefitted from "unfair enrichment". A source close to Barcelona told AFP that the club will now seek to reclaim the amount they are owed. As per an official document released in September, the Brazilian striker has more unpaid tax with the Spanish authorities than any other person, with debts of 34.6 million euros.

Football: FC Barcelona settle lawsuits with former player Neymar Jr

Barcelona star Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay at the Catalan club by signing a five-year deal. As per a report in &nbsp;La Vanguardia newspaper and ESPN, the football star is set to take a significant wage cut to stay with the club.&nbsp;

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Lionel Messi, who is the club's top scorer, is currently a free agent as his contract expired last month. He has been with the club for the past 21 years.&nbsp;

Joan Laporta, who took over as Barcelona president, is already trying to reduce their wage bill in order to keep Messi and stay within La Liga's strict financial control rules.&nbsp;

Earlier, La Liga chief Javier Tebas said last week that Barcelona, which has a total debt of more than 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion), would not be shown any leniency.

Messi's last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo.

The club have been trying to rebuild the squad with Junior Firpo, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena being sold to make way for free signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.

Lionel Messi and Co. paid the perfect tribute to late football legend Diego Maradona as Argentina lift their first Copa America title since 1993 as they beat hosts Brazil by 1-0 to lift the coveted trophy. The win also marks the end of Lionel Messi's trophy drought with Argentina. This is his first cup with Argentina since winning the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi was named the Golden Boot victor after smashing four goals he scored and the assists to his name. Gianluca Lapadula and Lautaro Martinez scored three goals each.&nbsp;

Messi additionally gave the most assists in the tournament. He even broke the record for the most assists in a solitary edition of the Copa America.&nbsp;

While this was Lionel Messi's first-ever international trophy with Argentina, Neymar Jr. is yet to win one with Brazil. Since he wasn't a part of the Brazil squad that won the previous edition of the Copa America in 2019.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay at the Catalan club by signing a five-year deal. As per a report in La Vanguardia newspaper and ESPN, the football star is set to take a significant wage cut to stay with the club.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay at the Catalan club by signing a five-year deal. As per a report in La Vanguardia newspaper and ESPN, the football star is set to take a significant wage cut to stay with the club. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi is on the cover of an Indian 'beedi' brand, and internet can't stop laughing Lionel Messi, who is the club's top scorer, is currently a free agent as his contract expired last month. He has been with the club for the past 21 years. Joan Laporta, who took over as Barcelona president, is already trying to reduce their wage bill in order to keep Messi and stay within La Liga's strict financial control rules. Earlier, La Liga chief Javier Tebas said last week that Barcelona, which has a total debt of more than 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion), would not be shown any leniency. Messi's last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo. The club have been trying to rebuild the squad with Junior Firpo, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena being sold to make way for free signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia. Lionel Messi and Co. paid the perfect tribute to late football legend Diego Maradona as Argentina lift their first Copa America title since 1993 as they beat hosts Brazil by 1-0 to lift the coveted trophy. The win also marks the end of Lionel Messi's trophy drought with Argentina. This is his first cup with Argentina since winning the gold medal during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Lionel Messi was named the Golden Boot victor after smashing four goals he scored and the assists to his name. Gianluca Lapadula and Lautaro Martinez scored three goals each. Messi additionally gave the most assists in the tournament. He even broke the record for the most assists in a solitary edition of the Copa America. While this was Lionel Messi's first-ever international trophy with Argentina, Neymar Jr. is yet to win one with Brazil. Since he wasn't a part of the Brazil squad that won the previous edition of the Copa America in 2019.

Argentina star Lionel Messi set to extend his stay at Barcelona: Reports

Contract talks with Lionel Messi are "progressing adequately", said Barcelona President, with La Liga goliaths expecting to get his magic presence attached to new terms.&nbsp;

Messi turned into a free agent on July 1 after his agreement with FCB expired.

However, the club has still not given up on giving the Argentinian captain a two-year deal. Interestingly, his&nbsp;last contract was worth more than 500 million euros more than four years.&nbsp;

'Nothing is Impossible', Joan Laporta told reporters, as quoted Goal.com, adding the discussion "is progressing adequately."

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Lionel Messi ended the &nbsp;28-year-huge drought for Argentina by winning Copa America at Maracana against Brazil.&nbsp;He had a splendid Copa America 2021 as he scored four goals, had five assists to his name, and was named the Golden Boot champ.&nbsp;

"All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalunya, and the entire football world are happy because Leo won the Copa America. It is very exciting to see the best player in football history get excited about winning a title like this and he made all of us cry with joy," said Joan Laporta.

"He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo who has managed [to win the Copa America], together with his team-mates, and that Argentina is once again in the elite, and also happy for Aguero. I am happy for Messi's family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who is recognized, admired, and loved for having this bond with Leo," he added.&nbsp;

Concerning's contract adventure, last week, LaLiga President Javier Tebas expressed that it would be inconceivable for FC Barcelona to coordinate with the compensation Lionel Messi was on as the club is right now going through financial troubles.

Contract talks with Lionel Messi are "progressing adequately", said Barcelona President, with La Liga goliaths expecting to get his magic presence attached to new terms.

Contract talks with Lionel Messi are "progressing adequately", said Barcelona President, with La Liga goliaths expecting to get his magic presence attached to new terms. Messi turned into a free agent on July 1 after his agreement with FCB expired. However, the club has still not given up on giving the Argentinian captain a two-year deal. Interestingly, his last contract was worth more than 500 million euros more than four years. 'Nothing is Impossible', Joan Laporta told reporters, as quoted Goal.com, adding the discussion "is progressing adequately." ALSO READ: Football: Manchester United players send touching message to the racially abused England trio Lionel Messi ended the 28-year-huge drought for Argentina by winning Copa America at Maracana against Brazil. He had a splendid Copa America 2021 as he scored four goals, had five assists to his name, and was named the Golden Boot champ. "All the Catalans, Barcelona, Catalunya, and the entire football world are happy because Leo won the Copa America. It is very exciting to see the best player in football history get excited about winning a title like this and he made all of us cry with joy," said Joan Laporta. "He is very happy, we are all happy, I am happy for Leo who has managed [to win the Copa America], together with his team-mates, and that Argentina is once again in the elite, and also happy for Aguero. I am happy for Messi's family, for Argentina, for Barcelona who is recognized, admired, and loved for having this bond with Leo," he added. Concerning's contract adventure, last week, LaLiga President Javier Tebas expressed that it would be inconceivable for FC Barcelona to coordinate with the compensation Lionel Messi was on as the club is right now going through financial troubles.

Football: Lionel Messi contract talks 'progressing adequately', says Barcelona president

La Liga president Javier Tebas feels&nbsp;Lionel Messi's move to Manchester City or&nbsp;Paris Saint-Germain would be 'financial doping' if the 33-year-old moves at a similar compensation as Barcelona.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi is at present a free agent after his agreement at Barcelona terminated. La Liga president Javier Tebas said Lionel Messi should take a pay cut on the off chance that he needs to remain at Barcelona. He additionally said that if any unfamiliar club consented to the 33-year-old's wage demand, it would be monetary doping.

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"He won't be able to sign on the previous conditions, that's impossible. But I don't think any European club would be able to pay that amount. If they do, it will be financial doping. It would be incredible if it happened. We need to establish limits. Financial doping is damaging football," said the LaLiga President, according to&nbsp;ESPN.&nbsp;

Javier Tebas accepts the colossal amount of cash spent by these European clubs are not created by the club and causes expansion in the football market: "It's not real money because it's not generated by the clubs. Money not from football causes bad inflation and ruins football because clubs must put in all this effort, which takes them above their financial capacity. We have to fight against this."

Javier Tebas has said that Barcelona won't be given any adaptability in enlisting Lionel Messi. He doesn't need a person to be greater than the alliance. He said:&nbsp;

"We always want the best players, but Neymar left, Cristiano Ronaldo left and we're still here, still growing. And as far as I know neither Serie A nor Ligue 1 have grown as much as they would have liked. I would be sorry if Lionel Messi left, he's the best ever, but we should not become obsessed with players."

Barcelona has a deadline until the 14th of August to enlist the entirety of their players including Lionel Messi. Nevertheless, to agree with La Liga's FFP administering, the Catalan goliaths will need to sell a portion of their periphery players. In spite of monetary issues, Tebas trusts Barcelona will escape this soon. He added:&nbsp;

"Barcelona are facing uncertain times but they will be able to solve their problems because they have the highest turnover in the world."

La Liga president Javier Tebas feels Lionel Messi's move to Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain would be 'financial doping' if the 33-year-old moves at a similar compensation as Barcelona.

La Liga president Javier Tebas feels Lionel Messi's move to Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain would be 'financial doping' if the 33-year-old moves at a similar compensation as Barcelona. Lionel Messi is at present a free agent after his agreement at Barcelona terminated. La Liga president Javier Tebas said Lionel Messi should take a pay cut on the off chance that he needs to remain at Barcelona. He additionally said that if any unfamiliar club consented to the 33-year-old's wage demand, it would be monetary doping. ALSO READ: Football: Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. to battle in dream Copa America final for first title "He won't be able to sign on the previous conditions, that's impossible. But I don't think any European club would be able to pay that amount. If they do, it will be financial doping. It would be incredible if it happened. We need to establish limits. Financial doping is damaging football," said the LaLiga President, according to ESPN. Javier Tebas accepts the colossal amount of cash spent by these European clubs are not created by the club and causes expansion in the football market: "It's not real money because it's not generated by the clubs. Money not from football causes bad inflation and ruins football because clubs must put in all this effort, which takes them above their financial capacity. We have to fight against this." Javier Tebas has said that Barcelona won't be given any adaptability in enlisting Lionel Messi. He doesn't need a person to be greater than the alliance. He said: "We always want the best players, but Neymar left, Cristiano Ronaldo left and we're still here, still growing. And as far as I know neither Serie A nor Ligue 1 have grown as much as they would have liked. I would be sorry if Lionel Messi left, he's the best ever, but we should not become obsessed with players." Barcelona has a deadline until the 14th of August to enlist the entirety of their players including Lionel Messi. Nevertheless, to agree with La Liga's FFP administering, the Catalan goliaths will need to sell a portion of their periphery players. In spite of monetary issues, Tebas trusts Barcelona will escape this soon. He added: "Barcelona are facing uncertain times but they will be able to solve their problems because they have the highest turnover in the world."

Football: Is Lionel Messi going to Manchester City? LaLiga President reacts

Lionel Messi has become a free agent as his contract with his club, Barcelona, has expired. The Argentine, who is currently representing his country in Copa America, is free to choose any club.&nbsp;

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However, Barcelona remains confident of agreeing on a new contract with the star footballer.&nbsp;

According to ESPN, sources have told that Barca are in the process of squaring the numbers with La Liga and the tax office to ensure there are no problems moving forward.

The Argentine has been linked to several clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain. However, Barcelona's new president Joan Laporta was confident that Messi would stay with the club.&nbsp;

After the catastrophic loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last year, Lionel Messi had expressed his desire to leave the club. However, the club was able to keep the Argentine striker for one more season.

Recently, Lionel Messi went past Javier Mascherano's tally to become the most-capped player for his country. Lionel Messi achieved this feat against Bolivia during the Copa America match. The 34-year-old added an extra charm to his special night as he scored a brace in a 4-1 win over Bolivia.&nbsp;

The Argentine has now scored 75 goals for his country in his 148th appearance in white and blue colours.

"I've been lucky enough to win everything at club level and individual level and it would be lovely also to win something with the national side,” the 34-year-old said on the eve of this year’s Copa. “That’s my dream.”

Lionel Messi's club, Barcelona, also took to Twitter to congratulate La Pulga for his achievement.&nbsp;

"A true legend, Leo! Congratulations", they tweeted.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi has become a free agent as his contract with his club, Barcelona, has expired. The Argentine, who is currently representing his country in Copa America, is free to choose any club.

Lionel Messi has become a free agent as his contract with his club, Barcelona, has expired. The Argentine, who is currently representing his country in Copa America, is free to choose any club. ALSO READ: Euro 2020: Unai Simon 'tortured' by error but appreciates team mates' solidarity However, Barcelona remains confident of agreeing on a new contract with the star footballer. According to ESPN, sources have told that Barca are in the process of squaring the numbers with La Liga and the tax office to ensure there are no problems moving forward. The Argentine has been linked to several clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain. However, Barcelona's new president Joan Laporta was confident that Messi would stay with the club. After the catastrophic loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last year, Lionel Messi had expressed his desire to leave the club. However, the club was able to keep the Argentine striker for one more season. Recently, Lionel Messi went past Javier Mascherano's tally to become the most-capped player for his country. Lionel Messi achieved this feat against Bolivia during the Copa America match. The 34-year-old added an extra charm to his special night as he scored a brace in a 4-1 win over Bolivia. The Argentine has now scored 75 goals for his country in his 148th appearance in white and blue colours. "I've been lucky enough to win everything at club level and individual level and it would be lovely also to win something with the national side,” the 34-year-old said on the eve of this year’s Copa. “That’s my dream.” Lionel Messi's club, Barcelona, also took to Twitter to congratulate La Pulga for his achievement. "A true legend, Leo! Congratulations", they tweeted.

Football: Barcelona star Lionel Messi becomes a free agent as contract expires

Among LaLiga’s most impressive rising stars is Brazilian right-back Emerson, who has just confirmed his long-awaited move to FC Barcelona from Real Betis.

Emerson may have only turned 22 last January, but with four goals and ten assists across the last two seasons in green and white, he has an excellent claim to be perhaps the most productive attack-minded defender in LaLiga.

Born in Sao Paulo in January 1999, Emerson gained his first football education at local side Ponte Preta, before moving to giants Atletico Mineiro while still a teenager. Regular appearances in Brazil’s Serie A brought interest from many European clubs, and he made the leap to join Real Betis in January 2019.

Emerson was gradually introduced into the Real Betis first team set up by then-coach Quique Setien, with one of his first three LaLiga starts coming in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the city derby at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Having settled well in the Andalusian capital, and with a good pre-season behind him, Emerson was the automatic first-choice right-back in time for the 2019/20 season.

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👋 Hello, <a href="https://twitter.com/Emerson_Royal22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emerson_royal22</a>! 
💙❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmersonCuler?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmersonCuler</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1400015137323556869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He heads to Barcelona on the back of a stellar season with Real Betis. He was a key part of Manuel Pellegrini’s team which put together a remarkable 2021 – in which they lost just twice, to title challengers Barcelona and Sevilla – to finish sixth in style and bag a Europa League spot.

<img alt="Emerson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24e813a9-bca7-453e-930a-d9c071bb4afc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Emerson%20Royal%201.jpg" />

Emerson’s potential has also been quickly spotted by Brazil’s national teams. He featured regularly throughout 2019’s South American Under-20 championships and could well have represented his country at the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan but for postponement due to COVID-19. Already a senior international, he looks set to form a long-term partnership on either side of the Brazil back four with Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi, who has also broken into the set-up at the same time.

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The athletic and intelligent Emerson's attack-minded contributions from right-back have brought to mind another Brazilian who first made his LaLiga mark in the Andalusian capital, and he now follows in Dani Alves’ footsteps by joining Barcelona this coming season. Given how he has settled in Spain so far, it would be no surprise to see the rising star becoming the starting right-back at the Camp Nou over the next decade.

Emerson’s first two seasons in LaLiga have been impressive, but don’t doubt that there is plenty still to come from one of LaLiga’s most talented and determined rising stars.

Among LaLiga’s most impressive rising stars is Brazilian right-back Emerson, who has just confirmed his long-awaited move to FC Barcelona from Real Betis. Emerson may have only turned 22 last January, but with four goals and ten assists across the last two seasons in green and white, he has an excellent claim to be perhaps the most productive attack-minded defender in LaLiga.

Among LaLiga’s most impressive rising stars is Brazilian right-back Emerson, who has just confirmed his long-awaited move to FC Barcelona from Real Betis. Emerson may have only turned 22 last January, but with four goals and ten assists across the last two seasons in green and white, he has an excellent claim to be perhaps the most productive attack-minded defender in LaLiga. Born in Sao Paulo in January 1999, Emerson gained his first football education at local side Ponte Preta, before moving to giants Atletico Mineiro while still a teenager. Regular appearances in Brazil’s Serie A brought interest from many European clubs, and he made the leap to join Real Betis in January 2019. Emerson was gradually introduced into the Real Betis first team set up by then-coach Quique Setien, with one of his first three LaLiga starts coming in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the city derby at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Having settled well in the Andalusian capital, and with a good pre-season behind him, Emerson was the automatic first-choice right-back in time for the 2019/20 season. ALSO READ: Football: England coach Southgate slams fans who booed players taking a knee 👋 Hello, @emerson_royal22! 💙❤️ #EmersonCuler — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 2, 2021 × He heads to Barcelona on the back of a stellar season with Real Betis. He was a key part of Manuel Pellegrini’s team which put together a remarkable 2021 – in which they lost just twice, to title challengers Barcelona and Sevilla – to finish sixth in style and bag a Europa League spot. Emerson’s potential has also been quickly spotted by Brazil’s national teams. He featured regularly throughout 2019’s South American Under-20 championships and could well have represented his country at the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan but for postponement due to COVID-19. Already a senior international, he looks set to form a long-term partnership on either side of the Brazil back four with Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi, who has also broken into the set-up at the same time. ALSO READ: Football: Lukaku to stay at Serie A champions Inter next season The athletic and intelligent Emerson's attack-minded contributions from right-back have brought to mind another Brazilian who first made his LaLiga mark in the Andalusian capital, and he now follows in Dani Alves’ footsteps by joining Barcelona this coming season. Given how he has settled in Spain so far, it would be no surprise to see the rising star becoming the starting right-back at the Camp Nou over the next decade. Emerson’s first two seasons in LaLiga have been impressive, but don’t doubt that there is plenty still to come from one of LaLiga’s most talented and determined rising stars.

Football: LaLiga - New Barcelona signing Emerson Royal set to take next step to stardom at the Camp Nou

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed record-breaking forward Sergio Aguero’s next club as the Spaniard gave a fitting tribute to the Argentine striker following the club’s 5-0 win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.<o:p></o:p>

Aguero is set to head back to La Liga where he shot to fame as a youngster. Aguero is now close to signing for Barcelona, revealed Guardiola on Sunday after Man City lifted yet another Premier League trophy under the former Barca boss.<o:p></o:p>

The Man City manager while endorsing the move said Aguero would provide Barcelona a huge boost in the attacking front and added that he was happy that the Argentine could play "alongside the best player of all time, Messi".<o:p></o:p>

Aguero bid an emotional farewell to Man City on Sunday netting a brace after coming on in the 61st minute of the match.<o:p></o:p>

"Maybe I reveal a secret," Guardiola told BBC. "Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart - for Barcelona.

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<o:p></o:p>

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🗣 "He's a special person for us." 💙 
 
Pep Guardiola gets emotional talking about Sergio Aguero leaving Manchester City <a href="https://t.co/LoKM9wMJAR">pic.twitter.com/LoKM9wMJAR</a>
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1396527643923783680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, Messi.<o:p></o:p>

"I'm pretty sure he is going to enjoy. And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch."<o:p></o:p>

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Aguero and Pep agreed that the striker would come in the second of the match in what was his final appearance for Man City at the Etihad Stadium. Aguero has scripted many incredible moments for the Blues in his trophy-laden decade-long stay at the club. <o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, while Aguero gears up to move to Barcelona after his first Champions League final appearance, Man City have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur striker and England captain Harry Kane to bolster their attack for the upcoming season.<o:p></o:p>

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed record-breaking forward Sergio Aguero’s next club as the Spaniard gave a fitting tribute to the Argentine striker following the club’s 5-0 win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed record-breaking forward Sergio Aguero’s next club as the Spaniard gave a fitting tribute to the Argentine striker following the club’s 5-0 win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Aguero is set to head back to La Liga where he shot to fame as a youngster. Aguero is now close to signing for Barcelona, revealed Guardiola on Sunday after Man City lifted yet another Premier League trophy under the former Barca boss. The Man City manager while endorsing the move said Aguero would provide Barcelona a huge boost in the attacking front and added that he was happy that the Argentine could play "alongside the best player of all time, Messi". Aguero bid an emotional farewell to Man City on Sunday netting a brace after coming on in the 61st minute of the match. "Maybe I reveal a secret," Guardiola told BBC. "Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart - for Barcelona. ALSO READ: Football: Who will challenge for Man City's Premier League crown next season? 🗣 "He's a special person for us." 💙 Pep Guardiola gets emotional talking about Sergio Aguero leaving Manchester City pic.twitter.com/LoKM9wMJAR — Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 23, 2021 × "He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, Messi. "I'm pretty sure he is going to enjoy. And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch." ALSO READ: Football: Manchester City win hat-trick of Premier League titles Aguero and Pep agreed that the striker would come in the second of the match in what was his final appearance for Man City at the Etihad Stadium. Aguero has scripted many incredible moments for the Blues in his trophy-laden decade-long stay at the club. Meanwhile, while Aguero gears up to move to Barcelona after his first Champions League final appearance, Man City have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur striker and England captain Harry Kane to bolster their attack for the upcoming season.

Football: Sergio Aguero close to Barcelona move, reveals Pep Guardiola

An acrobatic late strike from Antoine Griezmann saw Barcelona confirm their third-place finish in La Liga on Saturday, as they crept past already relegated Eibar 1-0 in their last match of the season.

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They end the campaign on 79 points, seven behind champions Atletico Madrid and five off second-placed Real Madrid.

"We didn't do the business in important games this season," matchwinner Griezmann said.

"Of course I'm happy with the goal but still disappointed with how the league campaign has gone. We weren't good at the start of the campaign but we've been almost perfect in 2021.

"I'm happy for Atletico, for (coach) Diego Simeone, Koke, for my friends there and their fans. They deserve it."

Coach Ronald Koeman named a much-changed starting XI, with Lionel Messi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba and Pedri all absent, and initially it showed in a somewhat disjointed first half.

Defender Oscar Mingueza was required to make a crucial block early on as Sergi Enrich bore down on goal after Frenkie de Jong lost the ball in a dangerous area, in an otherwise uneventful first 45 minutes.

With the game seemingly destined for a draw, it sparked to life in the closing stages.

On 81 minutes Griezmann smashed in from an acute angle following good work from Ousmane Dembele down the right-hand side.

Barca were given a scare four minutes from time when Takashi Inui saw an effort smash back off the crossbar, however the Catalans held out to secure the three points.

Eibar, meanwhile, finish bottom of the table on 30 points and return to the second-tier Segunda after seven years in Spain's top flight.

An acrobatic late strike from Antoine Griezmann saw Barcelona confirm their third-place finish in La Liga on Saturday, as they crept past already relegated Eibar 1-0 in their last match of the season.

An acrobatic late strike from Antoine Griezmann saw Barcelona confirm their third-place finish in La Liga on Saturday, as they crept past already relegated Eibar 1-0 in their last match of the season. ALSO READ: Football: Atletico Madrid clinch La Liga title thanks to Suarez winner They end the campaign on 79 points, seven behind champions Atletico Madrid and five off second-placed Real Madrid. "We didn't do the business in important games this season," matchwinner Griezmann said. "Of course I'm happy with the goal but still disappointed with how the league campaign has gone. We weren't good at the start of the campaign but we've been almost perfect in 2021. "I'm happy for Atletico, for (coach) Diego Simeone, Koke, for my friends there and their fans. They deserve it." Coach Ronald Koeman named a much-changed starting XI, with Lionel Messi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba and Pedri all absent, and initially it showed in a somewhat disjointed first half. Defender Oscar Mingueza was required to make a crucial block early on as Sergi Enrich bore down on goal after Frenkie de Jong lost the ball in a dangerous area, in an otherwise uneventful first 45 minutes. With the game seemingly destined for a draw, it sparked to life in the closing stages. On 81 minutes Griezmann smashed in from an acute angle following good work from Ousmane Dembele down the right-hand side. Barca were given a scare four minutes from time when Takashi Inui saw an effort smash back off the crossbar, however the Catalans held out to secure the three points. Eibar, meanwhile, finish bottom of the table on 30 points and return to the second-tier Segunda after seven years in Spain's top flight.

Football: Griezmann strike secures third place for Barca in La Liga

Atletico Madrid's La Liga title triumph had many protagonists but their two standout players were undoubtedly Luis Suarez and Marcos Llorente, who fell into their laps after being spurned by rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-atletico-madrid-clinch-la-liga-title-thanks-to-suarez-winner-386789" hreflang="en">Football: Atletico Madrid clinch La Liga title thanks to Suarez winner</a>

Suarez, who joined from Barca last summer for around 6 million euros, finished Atletico's top scorer with 21 goals and was decisive right until the end, grabbing the title-clinching strike in the 2-1 win at Real Valladolid on Saturday as well as firing in an 88th-minute winner against Osasuna last week.

Llorente, meanwhile, joined Atletico the previous year after being cast off by boyhood club Real. He got off to a slow start at his new side before transforming himself from a holding midfielder into an explosive winger.

The Spaniard made a name for himself in his new role last year by scoring twice to knock Liverpool out of the Champions League and has gone from strength to strength, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists in the title-winning campaign.

"This season has been a real struggle but now's the time to celebrate," Llorente said on Saturday.

Between them, Llorente and Suarez scored almost half of the 67 league goals which saw Atletico become champions for the first time since 2014.

Llorente's great uncle Paco Gento was one of Real Madrid's greatest ever players, while his father and grandfather also played for the club.

Real, who finished two points behind Atletico, may now be kicking themselves at letting such a talented player join their neighbours and help lead them to glory at their own expense.

But at least they managed to pocket around 40 million euros for his transfer, and they have well covered in the holding midfield role thanks to the ever-reliable Casemiro.

Barca, however, may be feeling particularly sore about parting ways with Suarez, who was forced out of the Camp Nou last summer as part of a clearout of big earners over the age of 30 which also led to Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic leaving.

MESSI PROTESTS

The Uruguayan's departure came despite the protests of Lionel Messi, who is close friends with Suarez and fiercely criticised the move.

Suarez, who became Barca's third-highest scorer with an astounding 198 goals and won four league titles there, recalled his pain at being pushed out by his former club.

"It was a difficult situation after being mistreated like that, but Atletico opened a door to me so I could keep showing I'm good enough, they put their faith in me," he said in an emotional post-match interview.

"This is very special because of how much I suffered. My statistics show I've won five league titles in seven years."

Atletico coach Diego Simeone added: "Suarez is a competitive animal, a born goalscorer.

"He's a defiant guy who had just left an extraordinary club in Barcelona but he said 'I want to continue at the top' and joined a club which lives football just like he does."

Atletico Madrid's La Liga title triumph had many protagonists but their two standout players were undoubtedly Luis Suarez and Marcos Llorente, who fell into their laps after being spurned by rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid's La Liga title triumph had many protagonists but their two standout players were undoubtedly Luis Suarez and Marcos Llorente, who fell into their laps after being spurned by rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. ALSO READ: Football: Atletico Madrid clinch La Liga title thanks to Suarez winner Suarez, who joined from Barca last summer for around 6 million euros, finished Atletico's top scorer with 21 goals and was decisive right until the end, grabbing the title-clinching strike in the 2-1 win at Real Valladolid on Saturday as well as firing in an 88th-minute winner against Osasuna last week. Llorente, meanwhile, joined Atletico the previous year after being cast off by boyhood club Real. He got off to a slow start at his new side before transforming himself from a holding midfielder into an explosive winger. The Spaniard made a name for himself in his new role last year by scoring twice to knock Liverpool out of the Champions League and has gone from strength to strength, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists in the title-winning campaign. "This season has been a real struggle but now's the time to celebrate," Llorente said on Saturday. Between them, Llorente and Suarez scored almost half of the 67 league goals which saw Atletico become champions for the first time since 2014. Llorente's great uncle Paco Gento was one of Real Madrid's greatest ever players, while his father and grandfather also played for the club. Real, who finished two points behind Atletico, may now be kicking themselves at letting such a talented player join their neighbours and help lead them to glory at their own expense. But at least they managed to pocket around 40 million euros for his transfer, and they have well covered in the holding midfield role thanks to the ever-reliable Casemiro. Barca, however, may be feeling particularly sore about parting ways with Suarez, who was forced out of the Camp Nou last summer as part of a clearout of big earners over the age of 30 which also led to Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic leaving. MESSI PROTESTS The Uruguayan's departure came despite the protests of Lionel Messi, who is close friends with Suarez and fiercely criticised the move. Suarez, who became Barca's third-highest scorer with an astounding 198 goals and won four league titles there, recalled his pain at being pushed out by his former club. "It was a difficult situation after being mistreated like that, but Atletico opened a door to me so I could keep showing I'm good enough, they put their faith in me," he said in an emotional post-match interview. "This is very special because of how much I suffered. My statistics show I've won five league titles in seven years." Atletico coach Diego Simeone added: "Suarez is a competitive animal, a born goalscorer. "He's a defiant guy who had just left an extraordinary club in Barcelona but he said 'I want to continue at the top' and joined a club which lives football just like he does."

Football: Barca, Real pay the price for transfer gaffes as Suarez, Llorente lead Atletico to title

Marcus Rashford has revealed that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two clubs that could lure him away from Manchester United in the future.

The Englishman is one of the admirable players in the Premier League right now and is one of the stars of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad. Marcus Rashford has been with Manchester United since the age of seven and moved on from the club's legendary academy to break into the team in the 2015/16 season.&nbsp;

From that point forward, he has improved by a wide margin and has scored 20 or more goals in two back-to-back seasons for Manchester United. The 23-year-old has a long profession in front of him, however, while Rashford has no aims of leaving Manchester United right now, he concedes he could play in another club one day.&nbsp;

Addressing the Guardian, he didn't preclude a move out of England one day. On asking to name the ideal club for him, Marcus Rashford uncovered that apart from Manchester United, he is a fan of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“Other than United? I’m a big fan of Real Madrid and Barcelona because they’ve always had great players and played attractive football. Everybody watches Real Madrid and Barcelona," Rashford&nbsp;said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/best-moment-of-my-life-sergio-aguero-recalls-stoppage-time-winner-vs-qpr-as-he-ends-decade-long-stay-at-man-city-386854" hreflang="en">'Best moment of my life': Sergio Aguero recalls stoppage-time winner vs QPR as he ends decade-long stay at Man City</a>

"Football has given me the opportunity to travel to different countries, and you have certain countries you like and want to learn more about, and learning a language is definitely a part of that,"&nbsp;he added.

His present contract ends in the late spring of 2023, yet Manchester United has the choice of an extra year. Rashford has scored 21 goals in all rivalries this season, assisting him with clubbing finish second in the alliance, and arrive at the Europa League finale.&nbsp;

Marcus Rashford is an overwhelming part of the Manchester United attack this season, however, they could be relentless on the off chance that they secure the entirety of their top position. He frames an imposing frontline along with Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes working behind.&nbsp;

Manchester United could additionally fortify them with the hotly anticipated appearance of Jadon Sancho, while any semblance of Anthony Martial, Amad Diallo, Daniel James, and Anthony Elanga will be heavenly alternatives from the bench.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-andrea-pirlo-says-his-juventus-future-does-not-depend-on-top-four-finish-386848" hreflang="en">Football: Andrea Pirlo says his Juventus future does not depend on top-four finish</a>

Manchester United has additionally been connected with a move for Harry Kane, despite the fact that they could confront solid rivalry from Manchester City and Chelsea for his mark. Be that as it may, if a move for the Tottenham Hotspur man emerges, the bleeding edge of Marcus Rashford, Kane, and Jadon Sancho may very well be adequate to get Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the association just as the Champions League next season. 
&nbsp;

Marcus Rashford has revealed that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two clubs that could lure him away from Manchester United in the future. The Englishman is one of the admirable players in the Premier League right now and is one of the stars of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad.

Marcus Rashford has revealed that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two clubs that could lure him away from Manchester United in the future. The Englishman is one of the admirable players in the Premier League right now and is one of the stars of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad. Marcus Rashford has been with Manchester United since the age of seven and moved on from the club's legendary academy to break into the team in the 2015/16 season. From that point forward, he has improved by a wide margin and has scored 20 or more goals in two back-to-back seasons for Manchester United. The 23-year-old has a long profession in front of him, however, while Rashford has no aims of leaving Manchester United right now, he concedes he could play in another club one day. Addressing the Guardian, he didn't preclude a move out of England one day. On asking to name the ideal club for him, Marcus Rashford uncovered that apart from Manchester United, he is a fan of Real Madrid and Barcelona. “Other than United? I’m a big fan of Real Madrid and Barcelona because they’ve always had great players and played attractive football. Everybody watches Real Madrid and Barcelona," Rashford said. ALSO READ: 'Best moment of my life': Sergio Aguero recalls stoppage-time winner vs QPR as he ends decade-long stay at Man City "Football has given me the opportunity to travel to different countries, and you have certain countries you like and want to learn more about, and learning a language is definitely a part of that," he added. His present contract ends in the late spring of 2023, yet Manchester United has the choice of an extra year. Rashford has scored 21 goals in all rivalries this season, assisting him with clubbing finish second in the alliance, and arrive at the Europa League finale. Marcus Rashford is an overwhelming part of the Manchester United attack this season, however, they could be relentless on the off chance that they secure the entirety of their top position. He frames an imposing frontline along with Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes working behind. Manchester United could additionally fortify them with the hotly anticipated appearance of Jadon Sancho, while any semblance of Anthony Martial, Amad Diallo, Daniel James, and Anthony Elanga will be heavenly alternatives from the bench. ALSO READ: Football: Andrea Pirlo says his Juventus future does not depend on top-four finish Manchester United has additionally been connected with a move for Harry Kane, despite the fact that they could confront solid rivalry from Manchester City and Chelsea for his mark. Be that as it may, if a move for the Tottenham Hotspur man emerges, the bleeding edge of Marcus Rashford, Kane, and Jadon Sancho may very well be adequate to get Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the association just as the Champions League next season.

Football: Manchester United's Marcus Rashford reveals ideal transfer move in future

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is set to join Catalan giants Barcelona after his deal with the English club runs out next month. The Argentine will join his fellow national teammate and captain Lionel Messi after agreeing to sign a two-year contract with Barcelona.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/city-wouldnt-have-won-title-with-similar-injury-issues-liverpools-klopp-386665" hreflang="en">City wouldn't have won title with similar injury issues: Liverpool's Klopp</a>

The star striker, who will turn 33 by the next season, has agreed to join Barcelona for a lower salary than was available elsewhere, however, will receive a bonus if the team win the Champions League.

Aguero has had a troubled 2020/2021 season with Manchester City as the striker's appearance was limited to 18 appearances with just four goals to his name after a string of injuries.&nbsp;

Man City boss Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Aguero on Friday and said: “His performance when he fit was fit was incredible.”

“I am pretty sure the 10,000 fans that will be in the stadium will show for the rest of the fans around the world, and will give him his tribute and gratitude for what he’s done for this club in terms of titles, numbers, performance – incredible,” he added.&nbsp;

Aguero's final match in the Etihad Stadium will be against Everton on Sunday and his final match in the Manchester City jersey will be in the highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League finals against Chelsea.&nbsp;

Barcelona are&nbsp;also closing in on Memphis Depay, who is set to run out of contract with Lyon this summer.&nbsp;

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is set to join Catalan giants Barcelona after his deal with the English club runs out next month. The Argentine will join his fellow national teammate and captain Lionel Messi after agreeing to sign a two-year contract with Barcelona.

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero is set to join Catalan giants Barcelona after his deal with the English club runs out next month. The Argentine will join his fellow national teammate and captain Lionel Messi after agreeing to sign a two-year contract with Barcelona. ALSO READ: City wouldn't have won title with similar injury issues: Liverpool's Klopp The star striker, who will turn 33 by the next season, has agreed to join Barcelona for a lower salary than was available elsewhere, however, will receive a bonus if the team win the Champions League. Aguero has had a troubled 2020/2021 season with Manchester City as the striker's appearance was limited to 18 appearances with just four goals to his name after a string of injuries. Man City boss Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Aguero on Friday and said: “His performance when he fit was fit was incredible.” “I am pretty sure the 10,000 fans that will be in the stadium will show for the rest of the fans around the world, and will give him his tribute and gratitude for what he’s done for this club in terms of titles, numbers, performance – incredible,” he added. Aguero's final match in the Etihad Stadium will be against Everton on Sunday and his final match in the Manchester City jersey will be in the highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League finals against Chelsea. Barcelona are also closing in on Memphis Depay, who is set to run out of contract with Lyon this summer.

Man City star Sergio Aguero set to join Barcelona on two-year contract

Juventus are keen on bringing Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this mid-year, as indicated by Fichajes.net via Juve.com. The 2018 World Cup champion has had a stop-start life at the Nou Camp since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

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Barcelona had marked Dembele from Dortmund for a club record of €135 million. Notwithstanding, he neglected to satisfy the expectations just as the sticker price because of an absence of form and repeating injuries.

With his agreement lapsing the following summer, Juventus are hoping to sign the winger at an extensively less expensive cost.

Barcelona followed through on a heavy cost to carry Ousmane Dembele to the Nou Camp in 2017. Nonetheless, the Frenchman neglected to supplant the active Neymar at the club. With just a year left on his Blaugrana contract, Barcelona are in danger of losing him free of charge in the coming months.

Juventus are hoping to exploit this agreement circumstance. They are hoping to offer €40 million for Dembele. This could end up being an extreme choice for Barcelona. On the off chance that they don't acknowledge the Juventus offer, they could lose the 23-year old on a free exchange the following summer.

Barcelona are reputed to have enormous freedom this mid-year, with upwards of 14 players in danger of being sold. This is to create assets for new and better players and furthermore to diminish the club's pay spending plan in these troublesome monetary occasions for clubs across Europe.

Barcelona are without a doubt to acknowledge any proposal from Juventus in the event that they can acquire an appropriate substitution at the club. They have been connected with different attacking players, including Erling Haaland, Sergio Agüero, and Memphis Depay.

Ousmane Dembele has been a baffling signing for Barcelona. He has neglected to play for a long length because of his physical issue inconveniences. In the four seasons, he has been at the club, Ousmane Dembele has played multiple times for Barcelona and has scored just 30 goals.

Notwithstanding having a superior season this time around, it would appear that his time at Barcelona is everything except over. Maybe a transition to Juventus will launch Ousmane&nbsp; Dembele's profession and assist him with satisfying his potential in a group that is much slower contrasted with La Liga.

Juventus are keen on bringing Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this mid-year, as indicated by Fichajes.net via Juve.com. The 2018 World Cup champion has had a stop-start life at the Nou Camp since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

Juventus are keen on bringing Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this mid-year, as indicated by Fichajes.net via Juve.com. The 2018 World Cup champion has had a stop-start life at the Nou Camp since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017. ALSO READ: Leicester City players express support for Palestine after FA Cup win Barcelona had marked Dembele from Dortmund for a club record of €135 million. Notwithstanding, he neglected to satisfy the expectations just as the sticker price because of an absence of form and repeating injuries. With his agreement lapsing the following summer, Juventus are hoping to sign the winger at an extensively less expensive cost. Barcelona followed through on a heavy cost to carry Ousmane Dembele to the Nou Camp in 2017. Nonetheless, the Frenchman neglected to supplant the active Neymar at the club. With just a year left on his Blaugrana contract, Barcelona are in danger of losing him free of charge in the coming months. Juventus are hoping to exploit this agreement circumstance. They are hoping to offer €40 million for Dembele. This could end up being an extreme choice for Barcelona. On the off chance that they don't acknowledge the Juventus offer, they could lose the 23-year old on a free exchange the following summer. Barcelona are reputed to have enormous freedom this mid-year, with upwards of 14 players in danger of being sold. This is to create assets for new and better players and furthermore to diminish the club's pay spending plan in these troublesome monetary occasions for clubs across Europe. Barcelona are without a doubt to acknowledge any proposal from Juventus in the event that they can acquire an appropriate substitution at the club. They have been connected with different attacking players, including Erling Haaland, Sergio Agüero, and Memphis Depay. Ousmane Dembele has been a baffling signing for Barcelona. He has neglected to play for a long length because of his physical issue inconveniences. In the four seasons, he has been at the club, Ousmane Dembele has played multiple times for Barcelona and has scored just 30 goals. Notwithstanding having a superior season this time around, it would appear that his time at Barcelona is everything except over. Maybe a transition to Juventus will launch Ousmane Dembele's profession and assist him with satisfying his potential in a group that is much slower contrasted with La Liga.

Juventus are set to bid for Ousmane Dembele: Reports

UEFA Women's Champions League final will see either Chelsea or Barcelona crowned champions of Europe for the first time, and though the Catalan club are hot favorites, the London side are also on a roll.

Barcelona crushed everyone in their path en route to the Primera Division title, winning all 26 of their league games this season and scoring 128 goals while conceding only five.

Chelsea may not have been as dominant in winning the FA Women's Super League last week but having won three trophies this term, Emma Hayes's side are full of confidence as they face the 2019 runners-up in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Hayes said it was a dream leading her ladies, who she says are inspiring a new generation of boys and girls alike, as they march into the final.

"They're amazing women that are inspiring generations… And I'm not talking about little girls here. I'm talking about scores of boys too that are becoming big fans of women's&nbsp;football," Hayes said.

"And being in this final, after so many years with an English team not participating, I think it was about time and I'm just delighted that we got the opportunity to do that," she added.

The Londoners have skillful forwards in Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, and Pernille Harder and they'll be testing their more direct and physical approach with Barcelona's possession-and-passing style.

Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes said his said are hungry for the crown after losing 2019 final 4-1 to Lyon in Budapest.

"We all have renounced so much so we can focus on our project, which is, becoming the best in Europe. That was our goal, our challenge, and we're on the right path," Cortes said.

"Since 2019 we've been working super hard so that we could get another chance and get to another Champions League final. Last year we were knocking on that door, and I think this year everyone is convinced we have a chance," added goalkeeper Sandra Panos.

UEFA Women's Champions League final will see either Chelsea or Barcelona crowned champions of Europe for the first time, and though the Catalan club are hot favorites, the London side are also on a roll.

UEFA Women's Champions League final will see either Chelsea or Barcelona crowned champions of Europe for the first time, and though the Catalan club are hot favorites, the London side are also on a roll. Barcelona crushed everyone in their path en route to the Primera Division title, winning all 26 of their league games this season and scoring 128 goals while conceding only five. Chelsea may not have been as dominant in winning the FA Women's Super League last week but having won three trophies this term, Emma Hayes's side are full of confidence as they face the 2019 runners-up in Gothenburg, Sweden. Hayes said it was a dream leading her ladies, who she says are inspiring a new generation of boys and girls alike, as they march into the final. "They're amazing women that are inspiring generations… And I'm not talking about little girls here. I'm talking about scores of boys too that are becoming big fans of women's football," Hayes said. "And being in this final, after so many years with an English team not participating, I think it was about time and I'm just delighted that we got the opportunity to do that," she added. The Londoners have skillful forwards in Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, and Pernille Harder and they'll be testing their more direct and physical approach with Barcelona's possession-and-passing style. Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes said his said are hungry for the crown after losing 2019 final 4-1 to Lyon in Budapest. "We all have renounced so much so we can focus on our project, which is, becoming the best in Europe. That was our goal, our challenge, and we're on the right path," Cortes said. "Since 2019 we've been working super hard so that we could get another chance and get to another Champions League final. Last year we were knocking on that door, and I think this year everyone is convinced we have a chance," added goalkeeper Sandra Panos.

Chelsea and Barcelona gear up for Women's Champions League Final

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant volley but Barcelona's title hopes could be over, with a 3-3 draw away at Levante on Tuesday giving Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid the chance to pull away at the top of La Liga.&nbsp;

Another slip could prove decisive given Atletico will move four points clear of Barca with two games left if they can win away at Real Sociedad on Wednesday. Real Madrid will edge two points ahead of Ronald Koeman's side if they win away on Thursday at Granada.&nbsp;

There are certainly no guarantees in what has been a frenetic and thrilling title race in recent weeks, with all of Spain's four contenders stumbling down the final stretch.&nbsp;

But with only two games left now and potentially two teams to catch, Barcelona's chances of taking the title off Real Madrid this season would appear remote.

"We were always depending on other results but the objective was to win our three games and hope others dropped points," said Koeman. "Now it's very complicated."&nbsp;

Levante sit 14th in the table and had won only one of their previous eight matches but they had also prevailed in three of their last four games at home against Barca, and they turned it on again.&nbsp;

Barcelona led 2-0 from Messi's acrobatic strike and a simple Pedri finish but two goals in two minutes before the hour suddenly had Levante level, Gonzalo Melero and Jose Luis Morales giving Levante hope.&nbsp;

Ousmane Dembele pulled the visitors ahead again but again they squandered the advantage, Sergio Leon diverting in at the near post and this time there was no way back.&nbsp;

"We lowered our intensity from the start of the second half, lost our rhythm," said Koeman. "We weren't defensively attentive and we let Levante back in. There is no other explanation."

"Our chances are slim," added Sergio Busquets. "And that's our fault - our decisions, our concentration - we give away easy goals."

Koeman has made positive strides this season but his team's lapses of concentration and fragility in defence remain.&nbsp;

Questions around the Dutchman's future will grow louder the more the club's title chances fade, his decisions this time to start Dembele at right wing-back and to bring Sergi Roberto into the back three particularly vulnerable to scrutiny.

"Coaches will always be questioned, that isn't going to change but with that second half there will be questions asked and I understand that perfectly," said Koeman.

Barcelona had scored twice in nine minutes to take control, Jordi Alba's cross grazing the head of Miramon on its way to Messi, who adjusted his body and threw his left foot over the ball, volleying it into the bottom corner for his 37th goal of the season.&nbsp;

Messi instigated the second too, freeing the sprinting Dembele down the right, who powered past Oscar Duarte and prodded back just in time for Pedri to finish.&nbsp;

Barca were in charge but Levante always looked a threat on the break and made it pay with two goals in two minutes before the hour.&nbsp;

First, Melero nipped in front of Sergi Roberto to head in and then a sloppy Messi touch allowed Morales to bounce the ball off Roger Marti, before volleying brilliantly into the far corner.&nbsp;

Parity lasted only five minutes, though, as Barcelona came again.&nbsp;

Messi on the turn was able to slide a pass into Antoine Griezmann and while he was challenged, the ball spilled right to Dembele, who took a touch and lashed into the top corner.&nbsp;

Barca were ahead again but they always looked vulnerable and with seven minutes left, Levante struck.&nbsp;

Sergino Dest was put on the floor by Tono down the left and his cross was turned in by Sergio Leon, who beat Gerard Pique at the near post. Barca had no answer.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant volley but Barcelona's title hopes could be over, with a 3-3 draw away at Levante on Tuesday giving Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid the chance to pull away at the top of La Liga.

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant volley but Barcelona's title hopes could be over, with a 3-3 draw away at Levante on Tuesday giving Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid the chance to pull away at the top of La Liga. Another slip could prove decisive given Atletico will move four points clear of Barca with two games left if they can win away at Real Sociedad on Wednesday. Real Madrid will edge two points ahead of Ronald Koeman's side if they win away on Thursday at Granada. There are certainly no guarantees in what has been a frenetic and thrilling title race in recent weeks, with all of Spain's four contenders stumbling down the final stretch. But with only two games left now and potentially two teams to catch, Barcelona's chances of taking the title off Real Madrid this season would appear remote. "We were always depending on other results but the objective was to win our three games and hope others dropped points," said Koeman. "Now it's very complicated." Levante sit 14th in the table and had won only one of their previous eight matches but they had also prevailed in three of their last four games at home against Barca, and they turned it on again. Barcelona led 2-0 from Messi's acrobatic strike and a simple Pedri finish but two goals in two minutes before the hour suddenly had Levante level, Gonzalo Melero and Jose Luis Morales giving Levante hope. Ousmane Dembele pulled the visitors ahead again but again they squandered the advantage, Sergio Leon diverting in at the near post and this time there was no way back. "We lowered our intensity from the start of the second half, lost our rhythm," said Koeman. "We weren't defensively attentive and we let Levante back in. There is no other explanation." "Our chances are slim," added Sergio Busquets. "And that's our fault - our decisions, our concentration - we give away easy goals." Koeman has made positive strides this season but his team's lapses of concentration and fragility in defence remain. Questions around the Dutchman's future will grow louder the more the club's title chances fade, his decisions this time to start Dembele at right wing-back and to bring Sergi Roberto into the back three particularly vulnerable to scrutiny. "Coaches will always be questioned, that isn't going to change but with that second half there will be questions asked and I understand that perfectly," said Koeman. Barcelona had scored twice in nine minutes to take control, Jordi Alba's cross grazing the head of Miramon on its way to Messi, who adjusted his body and threw his left foot over the ball, volleying it into the bottom corner for his 37th goal of the season. Messi instigated the second too, freeing the sprinting Dembele down the right, who powered past Oscar Duarte and prodded back just in time for Pedri to finish. Barca were in charge but Levante always looked a threat on the break and made it pay with two goals in two minutes before the hour. First, Melero nipped in front of Sergi Roberto to head in and then a sloppy Messi touch allowed Morales to bounce the ball off Roger Marti, before volleying brilliantly into the far corner. Parity lasted only five minutes, though, as Barcelona came again. Messi on the turn was able to slide a pass into Antoine Griezmann and while he was challenged, the ball spilled right to Dembele, who took a touch and lashed into the top corner. Barca were ahead again but they always looked vulnerable and with seven minutes left, Levante struck. Sergino Dest was put on the floor by Tono down the left and his cross was turned in by Sergio Leon, who beat Gerard Pique at the near post. Barca had no answer.

Barca title hopes hanging by a thread after Levante draw

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has no special plans for Saturday`s La Liga title showdown with Barcelona. 
 
The Argentine`s league leaders visit the Camp Nou two points ahead of the Catalans and a win would all but rule Barca out of the title running with three games remaining. 
 
Real Madrid, who take on fourth-placed Sevilla on Sunday, also sit two points behind Atletico and could be the main beneficiaries if the meeting ends in a stalemate. 
 
Simeone, however, insisted he would not change his usual set-up for a more attacking one. 
 
"We`re playing with a really clear idea this season as you can see," he told a news conference on Friday. 
 
"Sometimes it`s gone really well and sometimes it hasn`t. We don`t change a lot. We`ll try and play using the good points of how we`ve been playing up to now. 
 
"They (Barca) are a side who have won a lot of points on the spin, they play good football and have done a great job in recovering from a slow first half of the season. 
 
"We`ll look to take the game in the direction we want it to go in and play our own game." 
 
Simeone has a fully fit squad, with defenders Jose Maria Gimenez and Renan Lodi returning to full training on Friday. 
 
The Argentine has never won as a coach at the Camp Nou, however he did secure a maiden La Liga victory against Barca earlier this season when the sides met in Madrid. 
 
The same result on Saturday could help to secure a first title for the Rojiblancos since 2014.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has no special plans for Saturday`s La Liga title showdown with Barcelona. The Argentine`s league leaders visit the Camp Nou two points ahead of the Catalans and a win would all but rule Barca out of the title running with three games remaining.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has no special plans for Saturday`s La Liga title showdown with Barcelona. The Argentine`s league leaders visit the Camp Nou two points ahead of the Catalans and a win would all but rule Barca out of the title running with three games remaining. Real Madrid, who take on fourth-placed Sevilla on Sunday, also sit two points behind Atletico and could be the main beneficiaries if the meeting ends in a stalemate. Simeone, however, insisted he would not change his usual set-up for a more attacking one. "We`re playing with a really clear idea this season as you can see," he told a news conference on Friday. "Sometimes it`s gone really well and sometimes it hasn`t. We don`t change a lot. We`ll try and play using the good points of how we`ve been playing up to now. "They (Barca) are a side who have won a lot of points on the spin, they play good football and have done a great job in recovering from a slow first half of the season. "We`ll look to take the game in the direction we want it to go in and play our own game." Simeone has a fully fit squad, with defenders Jose Maria Gimenez and Renan Lodi returning to full training on Friday. The Argentine has never won as a coach at the Camp Nou, however he did secure a maiden La Liga victory against Barca earlier this season when the sides met in Madrid. The same result on Saturday could help to secure a first title for the Rojiblancos since 2014.

Simeone will not change gameplan for Barca showdown

Barcelona's newly elected president Joan Laporta has reportedly agreed to sell two of their star players as they are going through a financial crisis.&nbsp;

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According to El Chiringuito, Laporta has approved the sale of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba due to their big salaries.&nbsp;

Busquets made his Barcelona debut in 2008 after passing out from La Masia youth academy and formed a deadly trio along with Iniesta and Xavi. His contract will run out in 2023 so the club will be looking to sell the 32-year-old.&nbsp;

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are close to closing the deal to sign Eric Garcia to fill in Busquets' spot.&nbsp;

Jordi Alba also is a product of Barcelona's La Masia youth academy, but he joined Valencia in 2007 before returning to Barcelona in 2012. Alba is considered to be one of the best in his positions. His contract will run out in 2024.&nbsp;

The duo were part of several wins across the competition, however, their age and big wages are piling an immense pressure on the club which is already under a massive debt of €1.2 billion.

However, the club could also go for 'Plan B' and choose to reduce their salaries rather than sell them as manager Ronald Koeman heavily rely on club's senior players.

Barcelona's newly elected president Joan Laporta has reportedly agreed to sell two of their star players as they are going through a financial crisis. ALSO READ: Chelsea star Mason Mount slams Toni Kroos over 'never lost sleep' comments According to El Chiringuito, Laporta has approved the sale of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba due to their big salaries.

Barcelona's newly elected president Joan Laporta has reportedly agreed to sell two of their star players as they are going through a financial crisis. ALSO READ: Chelsea star Mason Mount slams Toni Kroos over 'never lost sleep' comments According to El Chiringuito, Laporta has approved the sale of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba due to their big salaries. Busquets made his Barcelona debut in 2008 after passing out from La Masia youth academy and formed a deadly trio along with Iniesta and Xavi. His contract will run out in 2023 so the club will be looking to sell the 32-year-old. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are close to closing the deal to sign Eric Garcia to fill in Busquets' spot. Jordi Alba also is a product of Barcelona's La Masia youth academy, but he joined Valencia in 2007 before returning to Barcelona in 2012. Alba is considered to be one of the best in his positions. His contract will run out in 2024. The duo were part of several wins across the competition, however, their age and big wages are piling an immense pressure on the club which is already under a massive debt of €1.2 billion. However, the club could also go for 'Plan B' and choose to reduce their salaries rather than sell them as manager Ronald Koeman heavily rely on club's senior players.

Barcelona to sell two big names to stabilise financial crisis: Reports

Atletico Madrid are set to take on Barcelona in a title-deciding clash for La Liga on Saturday. Ahead of the match, Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez lauded Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi.&nbsp;

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Niguez called the six-time Ballon D'Or best player in history. He said: “There is no doubt that Lionel Messi is the best player in history, not just currently.

“I admire Cristiano for how he works, how he is, but I think Messi, at a footballing level, has no comparison.”

All three Spanish giants (Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid) are in the race for La Liga. Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently tied on 74 points, while Atletico Madrid is on the top of the points table with 76 points.

Lionel Messi is currently the leading goal scorer in La Liga this season with 28 goals and is looking forward to a record-extending Pichichi Trophy.

Messi will be the biggest threat for Atletico as the Argentine has netted 32 times in 42 matches against Simeone and Co.&nbsp;

If Barcelona manages to beat Atletico Madrid, Messi and co. will go on top of the La Liga points table.&nbsp;

Atletico Madrid are set to take on Barcelona in a title-deciding clash for La Liga on Saturday. Ahead of the match, Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez lauded Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi.

Atletico Madrid are set to take on Barcelona in a title-deciding clash for La Liga on Saturday. Ahead of the match, Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez lauded Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi. ALSO READ: ISL: David Villa joins Odisha FC as global football advisor Niguez called the six-time Ballon D'Or best player in history. He said: “There is no doubt that Lionel Messi is the best player in history, not just currently. “I admire Cristiano for how he works, how he is, but I think Messi, at a footballing level, has no comparison.” All three Spanish giants (Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid) are in the race for La Liga. Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently tied on 74 points, while Atletico Madrid is on the top of the points table with 76 points. Lionel Messi is currently the leading goal scorer in La Liga this season with 28 goals and is looking forward to a record-extending Pichichi Trophy. Messi will be the biggest threat for Atletico as the Argentine has netted 32 times in 42 matches against Simeone and Co. If Barcelona manages to beat Atletico Madrid, Messi and co. will go on top of the La Liga points table.

'Best player in history': Atletico Madrid midfielder praises Lionel Messi ahead of clash

There is no footballer in the world who has assisted Lionel Messi more often than Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan provided 47 assists for the Argentine in the six years that they spent together at FC Barcelona, where they displayed such great chemistry from practically the first time they stepped onto the pitch as teammates. Messi, meanwhile, set up 39 Suárez goals over those years and the pair combined for a total of 478 goals during their time together at the Camp Nou. They lifted 13 trophies together, including four LaLiga Santander titles and one Champions League.

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Given all of that glorious past, it’ll be impossible not to think back to those successes when they go up against each other, this time as opponents, in FC Barcelona vs Atletico de Madrid this weekend. What’s more, the two sides are neck and neck at the top of LaLiga Santander with just four games to go this season, so the encounter at the Camp Nou will undoubtedly be one of the games of the season and huge ramifications in the title race.

<h2>Players of historic quality</h2>

These two players both feature on the podium of the top goalscorers in the history of FC Barcelona. Messi leads the way with over 700 goals, 280 of which he scored during the Suárez era, while Suárez is third on 198. Only fellow legend László Kubala splits them, which shows just how tremendously productive the South American duo have been at the Camp Nou, producing numbers that hadn’t been seen in almost 70 years and outperforming other illustrious names like César Rodríguez.

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<h2>Messi and Suárez, a relationship beyond football</h2>

The pair’s relationship goes beyond the field of play. The two strikers were neighbours in the Barcelona neighbourhood of Castelldefels and their children went to the same school. It was normal to see their families enjoying leisure time together, even enjoying seafront walks when Barça weren’t playing. It was Suárez who led Messi to drink mate so frequently, with the No.10 now rarely separated from his flask. Now, Antoine Griezmann is the one sharing mate with Messi, after he made the move from Atlético Madrid to FC Barcelona in 2019, one year before Suárez went the opposite way.

It was on September 24th&nbsp;2020 that Suárez’s illustrious FC Barcelona career came to an end, with the Catalan club accepting an offer for a transfer to Atlético de Madrid. There, in the Spanish capital, No.9 is continuing to show that scoring goals is in his blood. He’ll take on FC Barcelona this weekend just a few goals behind Messi in the LaLiga Santander goal-scoring charts; he hasn’t skipped a beat since his summertime move and continues to be one of world football’s most lethal strikers. What’s clear is that these players possess so much talent that they can still perform as superstars as they get older.

<h2>Messi’s search for a new partner at FC Barcelona</h2>

Messi has remained as prolific as always this season but hasn’t found an attacking ally quite like Suárez since the Uruguayan left and he may never develop a partnership like theirs. Looking to the past, not even Dani Alves (with 42 assists) or Andrés Iniesta (37) set up the Argentine more than Suárez did (47).

Even as Messi plays alongside other forwards this weekend, he’ll be able to have a pitchside chat with the best strike partner he ever had and a player with whom he developed an unbreakable friendship. The pair will have to put those ties on ice, at least for 90 minutes, as they go up against each other as opponents for the first time since reality forced their separation.

&nbsp;Watch FC Barcelona vs Atletico de Madrid this Saturday live at 7.45 pm on Facebook Watch

There is no footballer in the world who has assisted Lionel Messi more often than Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan provided 47 assists for the Argentine in the six years that they spent together at FC Barcelona, where they displayed such great chemistry from practically the first time they stepped onto the pitch as teammates.

There is no footballer in the world who has assisted Lionel Messi more often than Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan provided 47 assists for the Argentine in the six years that they spent together at FC Barcelona, where they displayed such great chemistry from practically the first time they stepped onto the pitch as teammates. Messi, meanwhile, set up 39 Suárez goals over those years and the pair combined for a total of 478 goals during their time together at the Camp Nou. They lifted 13 trophies together, including four LaLiga Santander titles and one Champions League. × Given all of that glorious past, it’ll be impossible not to think back to those successes when they go up against each other, this time as opponents, in FC Barcelona vs Atletico de Madrid this weekend. What’s more, the two sides are neck and neck at the top of LaLiga Santander with just four games to go this season, so the encounter at the Camp Nou will undoubtedly be one of the games of the season and huge ramifications in the title race. Players of historic quality These two players both feature on the podium of the top goalscorers in the history of FC Barcelona. Messi leads the way with over 700 goals, 280 of which he scored during the Suárez era, while Suárez is third on 198. Only fellow legend László Kubala splits them, which shows just how tremendously productive the South American duo have been at the Camp Nou, producing numbers that hadn’t been seen in almost 70 years and outperforming other illustrious names like César Rodríguez. ALSO READ: Champions League: Three things we learned from Man City vs Paris Saint-Germain Messi and Suárez, a relationship beyond football The pair’s relationship goes beyond the field of play. The two strikers were neighbours in the Barcelona neighbourhood of Castelldefels and their children went to the same school. It was normal to see their families enjoying leisure time together, even enjoying seafront walks when Barça weren’t playing. It was Suárez who led Messi to drink mate so frequently, with the No.10 now rarely separated from his flask. Now, Antoine Griezmann is the one sharing mate with Messi, after he made the move from Atlético Madrid to FC Barcelona in 2019, one year before Suárez went the opposite way. It was on September 24th 2020 that Suárez’s illustrious FC Barcelona career came to an end, with the Catalan club accepting an offer for a transfer to Atlético de Madrid. There, in the Spanish capital, No.9 is continuing to show that scoring goals is in his blood. He’ll take on FC Barcelona this weekend just a few goals behind Messi in the LaLiga Santander goal-scoring charts; he hasn’t skipped a beat since his summertime move and continues to be one of world football’s most lethal strikers. What’s clear is that these players possess so much talent that they can still perform as superstars as they get older. Messi’s search for a new partner at FC Barcelona Messi has remained as prolific as always this season but hasn’t found an attacking ally quite like Suárez since the Uruguayan left and he may never develop a partnership like theirs. Looking to the past, not even Dani Alves (with 42 assists) or Andrés Iniesta (37) set up the Argentine more than Suárez did (47). Even as Messi plays alongside other forwards this weekend, he’ll be able to have a pitchside chat with the best strike partner he ever had and a player with whom he developed an unbreakable friendship. The pair will have to put those ties on ice, at least for 90 minutes, as they go up against each other as opponents for the first time since reality forced their separation. Watch FC Barcelona vs Atletico de Madrid this Saturday live at 7.45 pm on Facebook Watch

La Liga: Best friends and strike partners Messi and Suarez meet again

Catholic church in Barcelona opens door to Ramzan dinners

Lionel Messi scored a 50th freekick goal for Barcelona as he led his side to a quick-fire comeback to win 3-2 at Valencia on Sunday and keep the pressure on La Liga title rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

With coach Ronald Koeman serving a touchline ban, Barca fell behind in the 50th minute when Valencia defender Gabriel Paulista headed home from a corner after keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had stumbled in his attempt to come for the ball.

The Catalans, who had blown the chance to go top of the league with a shock 2-1 defeat at home by Granada on Thursday, where Koeman was sent off, reacted well to going behind and soon won a penalty thanks to a handball from Valencia's Toni Lato.

Messi saw his spot-kick saved by former teammate Jasper Cillessen but Valencia failed to clear the danger and the Argentine followed up to score on the second rebound in the 57th minute.

Antoine Griezmann gave Barca the lead six minutes later, also netting on the rebound after Cillessen could only parry a header from Frenkie de Jong.

Messi looked to have clinched the points in the 69th when he fired a set-piece in off the post to score his 28th league goal of the season and bring up a half-century of freekick strikes.

Valencia got back into contention out of nowhere when midfielder Carlos Soler scored with an unstoppable strike from long range in the 83rd.

Barca are third on 74 points with four games remaining, level with second-placed Real Madrid, and two behind leaders Atletico Madrid after both sides won on Saturday. Fourth-placed Sevilla, on 70, host Athletic Bilbao on Monday.

PIQUE: NO EASY GAMES LEFT

"We know that we won't have any easy games until the end of the season but we got the job done after the unexpected defeat to Granada. We competed today and are going to keep competing," said Barca defender Gerard Pique.

"Today we showed we're still in the fight, that was what we wanted to do at the start of the season and it's to our credit that we're still in it."

Valencia were left 14th in the standings and are still not completely out of the relegation battle, sitting six points above the dropzone.

Javi Gracia's side had held Barca to a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou in December and they kept the Catalans on their toes for the final few minutes after Soler's pile-driver, having a couple of half-chances to equalize.

But Barca clung on for the win to ensure they head into next Saturday's crunch game at home to Atletico knowing they will unseat the leaders at the top with a victory. Real then host Sevilla on Sunday to complete a huge weekend in the title race.

"We're still alive," added assistant coach Alfred Schreuder, who is taking charge of the team during Koeman's touchline ban, which will also make him miss the game with Atletico.

"We're not looking at the other teams, we're only interested in ourselves and we believe our players can go on and win the league."

Lionel Messi scored a 50th freekick goal for Barcelona as he led his side to a quick-fire comeback to win 3-2 at Valencia on Sunday and keep the pressure on La Liga title rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi scored a 50th freekick goal for Barcelona as he led his side to a quick-fire comeback to win 3-2 at Valencia on Sunday and keep the pressure on La Liga title rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. With coach Ronald Koeman serving a touchline ban, Barca fell behind in the 50th minute when Valencia defender Gabriel Paulista headed home from a corner after keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had stumbled in his attempt to come for the ball. The Catalans, who had blown the chance to go top of the league with a shock 2-1 defeat at home by Granada on Thursday, where Koeman was sent off, reacted well to going behind and soon won a penalty thanks to a handball from Valencia's Toni Lato. Messi saw his spot-kick saved by former teammate Jasper Cillessen but Valencia failed to clear the danger and the Argentine followed up to score on the second rebound in the 57th minute. Antoine Griezmann gave Barca the lead six minutes later, also netting on the rebound after Cillessen could only parry a header from Frenkie de Jong. Messi looked to have clinched the points in the 69th when he fired a set-piece in off the post to score his 28th league goal of the season and bring up a half-century of freekick strikes. Valencia got back into contention out of nowhere when midfielder Carlos Soler scored with an unstoppable strike from long range in the 83rd. Barca are third on 74 points with four games remaining, level with second-placed Real Madrid, and two behind leaders Atletico Madrid after both sides won on Saturday. Fourth-placed Sevilla, on 70, host Athletic Bilbao on Monday. PIQUE: NO EASY GAMES LEFT "We know that we won't have any easy games until the end of the season but we got the job done after the unexpected defeat to Granada. We competed today and are going to keep competing," said Barca defender Gerard Pique. "Today we showed we're still in the fight, that was what we wanted to do at the start of the season and it's to our credit that we're still in it." Valencia were left 14th in the standings and are still not completely out of the relegation battle, sitting six points above the dropzone. Javi Gracia's side had held Barca to a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou in December and they kept the Catalans on their toes for the final few minutes after Soler's pile-driver, having a couple of half-chances to equalize. But Barca clung on for the win to ensure they head into next Saturday's crunch game at home to Atletico knowing they will unseat the leaders at the top with a victory. Real then host Sevilla on Sunday to complete a huge weekend in the title race. "We're still alive," added assistant coach Alfred Schreuder, who is taking charge of the team during Koeman's touchline ban, which will also make him miss the game with Atletico. "We're not looking at the other teams, we're only interested in ourselves and we believe our players can go on and win the league."

Lionel Messi nets twice in Barcelona turnaround over Valencia

Atletico Madrid stayed in charge of La Liga's four-way title race by earning a nerve-shredding 1-0 victory at struggling Elche on Saturday, riding their luck to the extreme when the hosts missed a penalty in stoppage time.

Marcos Llorente scored the only goal with a deflected shot in the 23rd minute but gave away the penalty in the 90th after a careless handball as Atleti defended a free kick after sitting on their slim lead rather than looking to put the game to bed.

Elche midfielder Fidel Chaves's spot kick beat goalkeeper Jan Oblak but came off the post, providing another twist in an action-packed game in which Atletico had two goals ruled out for offside and a penalty award taken away following a VAR review.

Fidel's spurned penalty threw Diego Simeone's side a lifeline in the thrilling title race while leaving Elche still 18th and in the relegation zone. They would have moved out of the drop zone if Fidel had scored from the spot.

The win took Atletico to 76 points with four games left but Real Madrid moved two points behind them by beating Osasuna 2-0. Barcelona are third on 71 points and visit Valencia on Sunday. Sevilla, on 70 points, host Athletic Bilbao on Monday.

It was the second time this season Atleti had benefitted from their opponents squandering a late penalty, with Oblak saving from Alaves' Joselu to secure a 1-0 home win in March.

It was also the second stroke of fortune in three days for Atletico, who sank to a chastening 2-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao last week and looked set to lose top spot to Barca, who then fell to a shock 2-1 loss at home to Granada on Thursday.

Atleti visit Barca next Saturday in what could be a pivotal weekend in the title race, with Real hosting Sevilla the next day.

'AN OBLIGATION'

"Winning today was an obligation and we were able to get the job done," said Llorente.

"At this stage of the season everyone has so much at stake, whether you're fighting relegation, going for Europe or the title. Every team is playing as if their lives depend on it."

Atletico went on the attack early on against Elche and should have taken the lead after a slick move between Angel Correa and Luis Suarez, who could only find the side-netting.

Suarez did manage to put the ball in the net soon after following a move with Llorente but was left frustrated again when the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a fractional offside.

The Uruguayan missed the target early in the second half and then had a second goal chalked off, this time for a clear offside.

Suarez was replaced by midfielder Saul late on as Simeone sought to protect Atletico's lead.

The move almost backfired when Elche's Antonio Barragan caught sight of goal from close range but volleyed just over the bar.

Fidel's spurned penalty was an even bigger let off but, somehow, Atletico remain in the box seat in the title race.

Llorente added: "I don't believe in luck. But we've got the three points which gives us huge belief for what's left to come."

Atletico Madrid stayed in charge of La Liga's four-way title race by earning a nerve-shredding 1-0 victory at struggling Elche on Saturday, riding their luck to the extreme when the hosts missed a penalty in stoppage time.

Atletico Madrid stayed in charge of La Liga's four-way title race by earning a nerve-shredding 1-0 victory at struggling Elche on Saturday, riding their luck to the extreme when the hosts missed a penalty in stoppage time. Marcos Llorente scored the only goal with a deflected shot in the 23rd minute but gave away the penalty in the 90th after a careless handball as Atleti defended a free kick after sitting on their slim lead rather than looking to put the game to bed. Elche midfielder Fidel Chaves's spot kick beat goalkeeper Jan Oblak but came off the post, providing another twist in an action-packed game in which Atletico had two goals ruled out for offside and a penalty award taken away following a VAR review. Fidel's spurned penalty threw Diego Simeone's side a lifeline in the thrilling title race while leaving Elche still 18th and in the relegation zone. They would have moved out of the drop zone if Fidel had scored from the spot. The win took Atletico to 76 points with four games left but Real Madrid moved two points behind them by beating Osasuna 2-0. Barcelona are third on 71 points and visit Valencia on Sunday. Sevilla, on 70 points, host Athletic Bilbao on Monday. It was the second time this season Atleti had benefitted from their opponents squandering a late penalty, with Oblak saving from Alaves' Joselu to secure a 1-0 home win in March. It was also the second stroke of fortune in three days for Atletico, who sank to a chastening 2-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao last week and looked set to lose top spot to Barca, who then fell to a shock 2-1 loss at home to Granada on Thursday. Atleti visit Barca next Saturday in what could be a pivotal weekend in the title race, with Real hosting Sevilla the next day. 'AN OBLIGATION' "Winning today was an obligation and we were able to get the job done," said Llorente. "At this stage of the season everyone has so much at stake, whether you're fighting relegation, going for Europe or the title. Every team is playing as if their lives depend on it." Atletico went on the attack early on against Elche and should have taken the lead after a slick move between Angel Correa and Luis Suarez, who could only find the side-netting. Suarez did manage to put the ball in the net soon after following a move with Llorente but was left frustrated again when the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a fractional offside. The Uruguayan missed the target early in the second half and then had a second goal chalked off, this time for a clear offside. Suarez was replaced by midfielder Saul late on as Simeone sought to protect Atletico's lead. The move almost backfired when Elche's Antonio Barragan caught sight of goal from close range but volleyed just over the bar. Fidel's spurned penalty was an even bigger let off but, somehow, Atletico remain in the box seat in the title race. Llorente added: "I don't believe in luck. But we've got the three points which gives us huge belief for what's left to come."

La Liga: Atletico Madrid ride luck to win after late Elche penalty miss

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