FC Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman on Saturday admitted that the Blaugrana club is less feared without Lionel Messi.

Barcelona manager stated that the rivals were "more scared" when the Argentine was leading the attack for their side. This statement by Koeman came after his side struggled against Athletic Club and managed to just retrieve a point in their second La Liga match of the season.

"I don`t like to always talk about the same thing, but we`re talking about the best in the world," the Dutchman told in his post-match press conference, as per Goal.com.

"Our opponents were more scared when Messi was here. For us as well, if you pass the ball to Leo, usually he won`t lose it. You can tell [Messi] isn`t there. We know that and we can`t change it."

The six-times Ballon d`Or winner left the Catalan side as a free agent after the Spanish club announced that "financial and structural obstacles" meant the deal between them and Messi could not be completed.

San Mames is never an easy place to win as Barca have struggled there in recent seasons and the Saturday clash was no exception. Indeed, for much of the ninety minutes, they had their backs against the wall, and Athletic were good value for their 1-0 lead.

A flash of inspired brilliance was needed, and it came from the left foot of Memphis. The Dutchman was able to salvage a point from one of the most difficult road trips in La Liga, and in doing so celebrate his first official goal in an FC Barcelona jersey.

Next Sunday, Barca will be back at Camp Nou, where Getafe will be their visitors.&nbsp;

FC Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman on Saturday admitted that the Blaugrana club is less feared without Lionel Messi. Barcelona manager stated that the rivals were "more scared" when the Argentine was leading the attack for their side.

FC Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman on Saturday admitted that the Blaugrana club is less feared without Lionel Messi. Barcelona manager stated that the rivals were "more scared" when the Argentine was leading the attack for their side. This statement by Koeman came after his side struggled against Athletic Club and managed to just retrieve a point in their second La Liga match of the season. "I don`t like to always talk about the same thing, but we`re talking about the best in the world," the Dutchman told in his post-match press conference, as per Goal.com. "Our opponents were more scared when Messi was here. For us as well, if you pass the ball to Leo, usually he won`t lose it. You can tell [Messi] isn`t there. We know that and we can`t change it." The six-times Ballon d`Or winner left the Catalan side as a free agent after the Spanish club announced that "financial and structural obstacles" meant the deal between them and Messi could not be completed. San Mames is never an easy place to win as Barca have struggled there in recent seasons and the Saturday clash was no exception. Indeed, for much of the ninety minutes, they had their backs against the wall, and Athletic were good value for their 1-0 lead. A flash of inspired brilliance was needed, and it came from the left foot of Memphis. The Dutchman was able to salvage a point from one of the most difficult road trips in La Liga, and in doing so celebrate his first official goal in an FC Barcelona jersey. Next Sunday, Barca will be back at Camp Nou, where Getafe will be their visitors.

With Lionel Messi in team, opponents were more scared of Barcelona, admits Ronald Koeman

Lionel Messi bid an emotional goodbye to his former club Barcelona. During his farewell speech, the Argentine broke down into tears. His wife Antonella was seen giving the football star a tissue to wipe his tears off.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the tissue paper used by Lionel Messi is up for a sale for a whopping $1 million. According to Complete Sports, a man, who sat at the front row of the same press conference, managed to scoop up the discarded tissue paper.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a>.. Heartbreaking..💔😔<a href="https://t.co/PSqyV5O1dA">pic.twitter.com/PSqyV5O1dA</a>
— Leo Messi 🐐 (@LeoCuccittini_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoCuccittini_/status/1424316244447178753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"In recent days I have been thinking about what I could say and the truth is that I cant think of anything, This is really difficult for me after so many years. I am not ready with this," he said during his farewell speech.

"Since I was 13 I am here. I am really grateful for everything. My teammates, the former players, this club, So many beautiful things have happened in this club and have made me the person I am today," he added.

Lionel Messi has been one of the two standout players in Barcelona. His performances have been a sheer joy to watch through the course of this decade. His performances have often left commentators speechless due to the sheer brilliance he exhibits on the field.

"It is difficult to choose one memorable moment. But, maybe the time when I made my debut - it was my dream come true. I will always remember the moment it all started," when he was asked about one of the memorable moments.&nbsp;

Messi joined French side Paris Saint Germain on a two-year contract and is yet to debut for his new club.

Lionel Messi bid an emotional goodbye to his former club Barcelona. During his farewell speech, the Argentine broke down into tears. His wife Antonella was seen giving the football star a tissue to wipe his tears off.

Lionel Messi bid an emotional goodbye to his former club Barcelona. During his farewell speech, the Argentine broke down into tears. His wife Antonella was seen giving the football star a tissue to wipe his tears off. Reportedly, the tissue paper used by Lionel Messi is up for a sale for a whopping $1 million. According to Complete Sports, a man, who sat at the front row of the same press conference, managed to scoop up the discarded tissue paper. Leo #Messi.. Heartbreaking..💔😔pic.twitter.com/PSqyV5O1dA — Leo Messi 🐐 (@LeoCuccittini_) August 8, 2021 × "In recent days I have been thinking about what I could say and the truth is that I cant think of anything, This is really difficult for me after so many years. I am not ready with this," he said during his farewell speech. "Since I was 13 I am here. I am really grateful for everything. My teammates, the former players, this club, So many beautiful things have happened in this club and have made me the person I am today," he added. Lionel Messi has been one of the two standout players in Barcelona. His performances have been a sheer joy to watch through the course of this decade. His performances have often left commentators speechless due to the sheer brilliance he exhibits on the field. "It is difficult to choose one memorable moment. But, maybe the time when I made my debut - it was my dream come true. I will always remember the moment it all started," when he was asked about one of the memorable moments. Messi joined French side Paris Saint Germain on a two-year contract and is yet to debut for his new club.

Tissue paper used by Lionel Messi during Barcelona farewell is up for sale; check out the whopping price tag

FC Barcelona can reverse their poor financial situation within a year and a half, president Joan Laporta told a news conference on Monday, after saying the club ended last year 451 million euros ($531 million) in the red. 
 
"I reckon that in a couple of years the club will be healthy," he told reporters, adding that the team have many potential sponsorship deals open to them. 
 
With their finances in dire straits after years of wage inflation and expensive transfers, the club could not afford to renew its contract with star striker Lionel Messi, leading to his shock departure to Paris St Germain last week. [nL1N2PH0LE] 
 
Still, Laporta said he was optimistic for the future, stressing that the club had many options open to it, including some 17 investors interested in Barca Studios, which groups together the club`s audiovisual businesses and serves as a hub for events. 
 
"We have a lot of proposals and this is obviously encouraging, our morale is very high," he said. 
 
Barca`s previous management had contracted investment bank Goldman Sachs to seek potential investors for the club`s commercial arm but none of the proposals were satisfactory, Laporta said. 
 
The club`s debts total 1.35 billion euros, 673 million of which are owed to banks, Laporta said. 
 
Last week Reuters reported that Goldman had agreed to lend 1 billion euros to private equity firm CVC`s planned multibillion euro investment in Spain`s top soccer league, LaLiga, a deal which Barcelona opted out. 
 
Along with rivals Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, Barca voted against the proposal at a general assembly last Thursday. 
 
Laporta had previously slammed the deal as "mortgaging the club`s television rights for the next 50 years", even though the cash injection could have allowed Messi to stay at the Camp Nou.

FC Barcelona can reverse their poor financial situation within a year and a half, president Joan Laporta told a news conference on Monday, after saying the club ended last year 451 million euros ($531 million) in the red.

FC Barcelona can reverse their poor financial situation within a year and a half, president Joan Laporta told a news conference on Monday, after saying the club ended last year 451 million euros ($531 million) in the red. "I reckon that in a couple of years the club will be healthy," he told reporters, adding that the team have many potential sponsorship deals open to them. With their finances in dire straits after years of wage inflation and expensive transfers, the club could not afford to renew its contract with star striker Lionel Messi, leading to his shock departure to Paris St Germain last week. [nL1N2PH0LE] Still, Laporta said he was optimistic for the future, stressing that the club had many options open to it, including some 17 investors interested in Barca Studios, which groups together the club`s audiovisual businesses and serves as a hub for events. "We have a lot of proposals and this is obviously encouraging, our morale is very high," he said. Barca`s previous management had contracted investment bank Goldman Sachs to seek potential investors for the club`s commercial arm but none of the proposals were satisfactory, Laporta said. The club`s debts total 1.35 billion euros, 673 million of which are owed to banks, Laporta said. Last week Reuters reported that Goldman had agreed to lend 1 billion euros to private equity firm CVC`s planned multibillion euro investment in Spain`s top soccer league, LaLiga, a deal which Barcelona opted out. Along with rivals Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, Barca voted against the proposal at a general assembly last Thursday. Laporta had previously slammed the deal as "mortgaging the club`s television rights for the next 50 years", even though the cash injection could have allowed Messi to stay at the Camp Nou.

Football - Barcelona can escape financial hole in 18 months, says Laporta

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has reacted to Lionel Messi's departure from the club on Saturday. The Dutch coach said that Messi is now in Barcelona's past and the club must live in the present.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-star-defender-raphael-varane-joins-manchester-united-on-a-four-year-deal-405434" hreflang="en">Football - Star defender Raphael Varane joins Manchester United on a four-year deal</a>

Last week, Barcelona had to let go of their all-time top scorer as the club is battling a financial crisis. The Argentine joined Paris Saint-Germain.&nbsp;

"It's painful for all Barcelona fans given what Messi has done for the club, but we cannot live in the past," Koeman told a news conference. "I'm excited for the new season, and I hope the fans are enthusiastic too. We have to live in the present and not the past.

"People have spoken a lot about Messi and that's normal because of how effective he was and his quality. We won't have him around any more, but we still have a very strong squad. There's no excuses now, we've got games to play and points to win."

Despite the financial constraints the club is going through, there is good news for Barca fans as the Spanish giants were able to register new signings Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay after Gerard Pique agreed to take a salary cut to help bring the club in line with the league's financial fair play rules.

The club said in a statement Pique had agreed to take a "significant" pay cut, adding they were in talks with the other club captain Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto over a squad-wide reduction to help ease the club's financial woes.

"We all know the club's situation and that it needs help so you have to appreciate the attitude of Gerard, of Sergi Roberto and Busquets," added Koeman.

"It proves they are real club men."&nbsp;

(Inputs from Agency)

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has reacted to Lionel Messi's departure from the club on Saturday. The Dutch coach said that Messi is now in Barcelona's past and the club must live in the present.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has reacted to Lionel Messi's departure from the club on Saturday. The Dutch coach said that Messi is now in Barcelona's past and the club must live in the present. ALSO READ: Football - Star defender Raphael Varane joins Manchester United on a four-year deal Last week, Barcelona had to let go of their all-time top scorer as the club is battling a financial crisis. The Argentine joined Paris Saint-Germain. "It's painful for all Barcelona fans given what Messi has done for the club, but we cannot live in the past," Koeman told a news conference. "I'm excited for the new season, and I hope the fans are enthusiastic too. We have to live in the present and not the past. "People have spoken a lot about Messi and that's normal because of how effective he was and his quality. We won't have him around any more, but we still have a very strong squad. There's no excuses now, we've got games to play and points to win." Despite the financial constraints the club is going through, there is good news for Barca fans as the Spanish giants were able to register new signings Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay after Gerard Pique agreed to take a salary cut to help bring the club in line with the league's financial fair play rules. The club said in a statement Pique had agreed to take a "significant" pay cut, adding they were in talks with the other club captain Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto over a squad-wide reduction to help ease the club's financial woes. "We all know the club's situation and that it needs help so you have to appreciate the attitude of Gerard, of Sergi Roberto and Busquets," added Koeman. "It proves they are real club men." (Inputs from Agency)

'It's painful': Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman reacts to Lionel Messi's departure

Lionel Messi says that he is 'extremely happy' after joining PSG,&nbsp;and 'dreams of Champions League win' with them.

This is Messi's first press conference after joining&nbsp;Paris Saint-Germain.&nbsp;The football star has signed a two-year contract with the French club with an option of an additional year.&nbsp;

Before this, the Argentine footballer&nbsp;was associated with&nbsp;Barcelona for more than 20 years. 
 
(More to follow)

&nbsp;

Lionel Messi says that he is 'extremely happy' after joining PSG, and 'dreams of Champions League win' with them. This is Messi's first press conference after joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Lionel Messi says that he is 'extremely happy' after joining PSG, and 'dreams of Champions League win' with them. This is Messi's first press conference after joining Paris Saint-Germain. The football star has signed a two-year contract with the French club with an option of an additional year. Before this, the Argentine footballer was associated with Barcelona for more than 20 years. (More to follow)

Lionel Messi's first press conference with PSG: 'Dreams of Champions League win' with them

Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona: A record breaking career in pictures

Jack Grealish said leaving Aston Villa to join Manchester City carried him to tears and caused him to feel exactly the same way as Lionel Messi did about departing &nbsp;Barcelona.&nbsp;

The 25-year-old midfielder joined Manchester City last week for £100m in the greatest monetary deal in English football history, leaving the club where he had spent his whole profession.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-us-forward-josh-sargent-joins-norwich-from-werder-bremen-404347" hreflang="en">Football: US forward Josh Sargent joins Norwich from Werder Bremen</a>

"It was so tough. I think everyone knows that," said Jack Grealish to a media outlet.

"I reported back for the pre-season as I was meant to. That's when the manager wanted me back so I obviously went back for a few days. It was obviously difficult because in the back of my head, I knew that I might be going."

"Everyone's seen the way Messi was at his final press conference and that is the exact way I felt myself.

"Before I left, at the hotel, I spoke to the team, the staff, and the players and I teared up a little bit myself."

Jack Grealish joined Manchester City on a six-year deal after the Premier League champions actuated the £100m provision in his Villa contract.&nbsp;

The exchange expense broke the past record in English football held by Paul Pogba when he rejoined Manchester United for £93.25m from Juventus in 2016.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-more-problems-for-barcelona-as-sergio-aguero-ruled-out-for-10-weeks-404265" hreflang="en">Football: More problems for Barcelona as Sergio Aguero ruled out for 10 weeks</a>

Jack Grealish, who was skipper at Aston Villa and left the club having scored 32 goals in 213 appearances, made his first appearance for Manchester City in Saturday's Community Shield loss to Leicester at Wembley.&nbsp;

Dissimilar to at Aston Villa, Grealish will confront extraordinary contest for a beginning spot at Manchester City, however, he is sure he can give various characteristics to any semblance of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, and Phil Foden

Jack Grealish said leaving Aston Villa to join Manchester City carried him to tears and caused him to feel exactly the same way as Lionel Messi did about departing Barcelona.

Jack Grealish said leaving Aston Villa to join Manchester City carried him to tears and caused him to feel exactly the same way as Lionel Messi did about departing Barcelona. The 25-year-old midfielder joined Manchester City last week for £100m in the greatest monetary deal in English football history, leaving the club where he had spent his whole profession. ALSO READ: Football: US forward Josh Sargent joins Norwich from Werder Bremen "It was so tough. I think everyone knows that," said Jack Grealish to a media outlet. "I reported back for the pre-season as I was meant to. That's when the manager wanted me back so I obviously went back for a few days. It was obviously difficult because in the back of my head, I knew that I might be going." "Everyone's seen the way Messi was at his final press conference and that is the exact way I felt myself. "Before I left, at the hotel, I spoke to the team, the staff, and the players and I teared up a little bit myself." Jack Grealish joined Manchester City on a six-year deal after the Premier League champions actuated the £100m provision in his Villa contract. The exchange expense broke the past record in English football held by Paul Pogba when he rejoined Manchester United for £93.25m from Juventus in 2016. ALSO READ: Football: More problems for Barcelona as Sergio Aguero ruled out for 10 weeks Jack Grealish, who was skipper at Aston Villa and left the club having scored 32 goals in 213 appearances, made his first appearance for Manchester City in Saturday's Community Shield loss to Leicester at Wembley. Dissimilar to at Aston Villa, Grealish will confront extraordinary contest for a beginning spot at Manchester City, however, he is sure he can give various characteristics to any semblance of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, and Phil Foden

Football: Jack Grealish says he cried like Lionel Messi over leaving Aston Villa

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;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Young players like Riqui Puig and Ansu Fati also thanked Messi - the "best player in the world" and how he encouraged them.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💙❤️ 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&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."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-is-on-the-cover-of-an-indian-beedi-brand-and-internet-cant-stop-laughing-398018" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi is on the cover of an Indian 'beedi' brand, and internet can't stop laughing</a>

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."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-manchester-united-players-send-touching-message-to-the-racially-abused-england-trio-397783" hreflang="en">Football: Manchester United players send touching message to the racially abused England trio</a>

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-lionel-messi-neymar-jr-to-battle-in-dream-copa-america-final-for-first-title-396871" hreflang="en">Football: Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. to battle in dream Copa America final for first title</a>

"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;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-unai-simon-tortured-by-error-but-appreciates-team-mates-solidarity-394934" hreflang="en">Euro 2020: Unai Simon 'tortured' by error but appreciates team mates' solidarity</a>

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-england-coach-southgate-slams-fans-who-booed-players-taking-a-knee-389115" hreflang="en">Football: England coach Southgate slams fans who booed players taking a knee</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
👋 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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-lukaku-to-stay-at-serie-a-champions-inter-next-season-389112" hreflang="en">Football: Lukaku to stay at Serie A champions Inter next season</a>

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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-who-will-challenge-for-man-citys-premier-league-crown-next-season-387037" hreflang="en">Football: Who will challenge for Man City's Premier League crown next season?</a>

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🗣 "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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"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>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-manchester-city-win-hat-trick-of-premier-league-titles-386911" hreflang="en">Football: Manchester City win hat-trick of Premier League titles</a>

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

barcelona

Barcelona, News on Barcelona, stories on Barcelona, articles on Barcelona, Barcelona stories at Wion, Barcelona news, Barcelona latest news