<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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". S<strong>ee some of the reactions here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423705436595838978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423758278400561158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423739403386593281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423773377144270854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423788477045424138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423811127243329537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"How am I going to miss it!</p>

<p>"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."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423796034115936260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>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;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423724304110284803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423735629641392135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Young players like Riqui Puig and Ansu Fati also thanked Messi - the "best player in the world" and how he encouraged them.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423690333389475846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">💙❤️ Blaugrana Love<br />
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></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423743178532868096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
"The club is above everything - even above the best player in the world," Laporta told a news conference.<br />
<br />
"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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
Even fans of arch-rivals Real Madrid were sorry to see Messi leave.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi did not reply to Reuters'&nbsp;requests for comment.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
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".<br />
<br />
<strong>FINANCIAL WOES</strong><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
The Argentine's next move remains unclear and for now he remains without a club ahead of the 2021-2022 season.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters on Friday that Messi is an "option" that is being evaluated by the club, without elaborating.<br />
<br />
Manchester City's Guardiola said the Premier League champions had no plans to make a move for Messi.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
Still, some observers believe that the announcement of Messi's departure is actually Barca boldly calling La Liga's bluff over its financial rules.<br />
<br />
Laporta lamented the financial situation that he had inherited from former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, describing it as "far, far worse" than anticipated.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
(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)</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>Read club's statement:</strong></p>

<p>"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)"</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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</p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1423341016455819271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

<p>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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
So the unexpected news of his split with Barcelona dominated the headlines in his homeland, with some newspapers live blogging the news and updates.<br />
<br />
Broadcaster TyC Sports had 14 Messi-related stories on their home page; the normally staid La Nacion and sports newspaper Ole had seven each.<br />
<br />
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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
In addition to the news of his departure, much of Thursday’s coverage involved memes, statistics and recaps of Messi’s glittering career.<br />
<br />
Some tried to explain the CVC deal and the FFP regulations.<br />
<br />
Others seemed to find it all a bit hard to believe. La Nacion asked: ‘What if Messi stays at Barcelona?’<br />
<br />
($1 = 0.8451 euros)</p>


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

<p>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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
"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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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."<br />
<br />
"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."<br />
<br />
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.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><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><br />
<br />
However, they failed to sufficiently reduce their wage bill to stay within La Liga`s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.<br />
<br />
The Argentine`s next move remains unclear, and for now he is without a club ahead of the 2021-2022 season.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Still, some observers believe that the announcement of Messi`s departure is actually Barca boldly calling La Liga`s bluff over its FFP rules.</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><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></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Messi's last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>With Lionel Messi making his stance clear that he wants to leave Barcelona after spending nearly two decades with the Catalan club, Manchester City have been touted as favourites to sign the Argentine megastar. However, there are plenty of complications in regards to Messi’s transfer – his whopping wages, a mind-boggling EUR 700 million release clause, free exit clause which apparently expired in May 2020, a possible FIFA ban and much more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While any club in the world would want to have Messi on their team sheet, signing the six-time Ballon d’Or may not be as easy as it sounds. Even though Barcelona want to keep Messi and continue their sporting project with the ‘best player in the world’, the left-footed maestro is now looking at a new challenge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Messi walks out of Barcelona citing an exit clause which allows him to leave for free at the end of every season, the Catalan club would be left in a mess. Reports have stated that the exit clause had expired on May 31, 2020 but Messi’s entourage says that the season has been extended to August due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, if Messi leaves for free without resolving the contract dispute, he could be banned by FIFA for months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messis-next-team-clubs-who-can-really-afford-to-sign-the-argentine-323423" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine</a></strong></p>

<p>"If it ended up anywhere, it would be most likely in the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber because Messi, being Argentinian, the FIFA rules would apply, and FIFA has its own set of laws and rules," De Marco, of Blackstone Chambers, told The Transfer Show on Sky Sports News.</p>

<p>"So, it's unlikely to be Spanish law or English law or Swiss law but it would be the FIFA rules that apply, and they have a commission that can determine these things,” said Nick De Marco QC who has the experience of representing governing bodies, players and agents in such issues.</p>

<p>"Ultimately, either party can then appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. That's how these sorts of issues are normally dealt with. One possibility, and it's certainly not one I'm advising anybody, is a player simply just walks out and says, 'I'm entitled to walk out, so I'm walking out'.</p>

<p><strong>TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-next-for-lionel-messi-a-record-breaking-career-in-pictures-323230">What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures</a></strong></p>

<p>"The risk with that strategy is, although FIFA will normally allow the registration to move with the player, if the club then brings a claim and succeeds, not only is the player liable to [pay] damages but also is likely to be banned under FIFA rules for a period of months and the new club signing him have a transfer embargo.</p>

<p>"It's such a high-risk strategy that, unless you were sure that the player was in the right, it's not a risk one would take. You have to read the contract as a whole," he explained. "Even if it's a date, and the date is the date, if that's linked to other provisions that show what the parties really meant was the end of the season, then there's still an argument it's the end of the season.”:</p>

<p>Man City are reportedly eager to shell out around EUR 200 million for Messi if the player and Barcelona come to an agreement of compensating his release. &nbsp;However, there is still likelihood that the matter could be taken to court if Barcelona demand the entire EUR 700 million release clause.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adios-lionel-messi-323161" hreflang="en">Adios, Lionel Messi?</a></strong></p>

<h2>There are three situations if the conflict is taken to court:</h2>

<p>1)&nbsp;FIFA can order the Spanish football federation to issue an international transfer certificate pending a resolution.</p>

<p>2)&nbsp;A major risk for the club signing Messi will be that if the court finds the ruling in Barcelona’s favour then they would be liable to pay his EUR 700 million release clause. If it is in Messi’s favour, then it would a jackpot – a free transfer.</p>

<p>3) The final option would be that adjudicators fix a mutual fee.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With Lionel Messi making his stance clear that he wants to leave Barcelona after spending nearly two decades with the Catalan club, Manchester City have been touted as favourites to sign the Argentine megastar.

With Lionel Messi making his stance clear that he wants to leave Barcelona after spending nearly two decades with the Catalan club, Manchester City have been touted as favourites to sign the Argentine megastar. However, there are plenty of complications in regards to Messi’s transfer – his whopping wages, a mind-boggling EUR 700 million release clause, free exit clause which apparently expired in May 2020, a possible FIFA ban and much more. While any club in the world would want to have Messi on their team sheet, signing the six-time Ballon d’Or may not be as easy as it sounds. Even though Barcelona want to keep Messi and continue their sporting project with the ‘best player in the world’, the left-footed maestro is now looking at a new challenge. If Messi walks out of Barcelona citing an exit clause which allows him to leave for free at the end of every season, the Catalan club would be left in a mess. Reports have stated that the exit clause had expired on May 31, 2020 but Messi’s entourage says that the season has been extended to August due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, if Messi leaves for free without resolving the contract dispute, he could be banned by FIFA for months. TRENDING: Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine "If it ended up anywhere, it would be most likely in the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber because Messi, being Argentinian, the FIFA rules would apply, and FIFA has its own set of laws and rules," De Marco, of Blackstone Chambers, told The Transfer Show on Sky Sports News. "So, it's unlikely to be Spanish law or English law or Swiss law but it would be the FIFA rules that apply, and they have a commission that can determine these things,” said Nick De Marco QC who has the experience of representing governing bodies, players and agents in such issues. "Ultimately, either party can then appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. That's how these sorts of issues are normally dealt with. One possibility, and it's certainly not one I'm advising anybody, is a player simply just walks out and says, 'I'm entitled to walk out, so I'm walking out'. TRENDING | What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures "The risk with that strategy is, although FIFA will normally allow the registration to move with the player, if the club then brings a claim and succeeds, not only is the player liable to [pay] damages but also is likely to be banned under FIFA rules for a period of months and the new club signing him have a transfer embargo. "It's such a high-risk strategy that, unless you were sure that the player was in the right, it's not a risk one would take. You have to read the contract as a whole," he explained. "Even if it's a date, and the date is the date, if that's linked to other provisions that show what the parties really meant was the end of the season, then there's still an argument it's the end of the season.”: Man City are reportedly eager to shell out around EUR 200 million for Messi if the player and Barcelona come to an agreement of compensating his release. However, there is still likelihood that the matter could be taken to court if Barcelona demand the entire EUR 700 million release clause. ALSO READ: Adios, Lionel Messi? There are three situations if the conflict is taken to court: 1) FIFA can order the Spanish football federation to issue an international transfer certificate pending a resolution. 2) A major risk for the club signing Messi will be that if the court finds the ruling in Barcelona’s favour then they would be liable to pay his EUR 700 million release clause. If it is in Messi’s favour, then it would a jackpot – a free transfer. 3) The final option would be that adjudicators fix a mutual fee.

'FIFA ban' looming for Lionel Messi? Argentine's contract situation decoded