Barcelona confirm Olympic champion Lionel Messi will leave the club
Superstar Leo Messi has been out of contract since before leading Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title, but Spanish club revealed plans to re-sign the Beijing 2008 gold medallist have ended despite "wishes of the player and the club".
Football
Where will Lionel Messi be playing his club football next season?
FC Barcelona confirmed on Thursday (5th August) that the Argentinian superstar wouldn't be re-signing with the side for the forthcoming season, saying in a statement on their website:
"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 Spanish LaLiga regulations on player registration.
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."
Messi's legacy at Barcelona
Messi joined the club as a 13-year-old, and helped Barcelona to four UEFA Champions League trophies and 10 Spanish Liga titles in his time at the Camp Nou.
The 34-year-old's contract had expired prior to him leading the Argentina men's national football team to the Copa America title last month.
He also claimed the 2008 Olympic gold medal, which he has previously described as his most cherished prize.