Barcelona have dropped a bombshell statement confirming that
Lionel Messi will leave the club after 21 years, joining them in 2000 at the
age of 13.
Messi has spent his entire career at Barcelona, coming
through the club's academy before going on to score 672 goals in 778
appearances after making his senior debut in 2003.
Messi, largely regarded as the best player of all time, has
spent his entire senior career at Barcelona and has won countless trophies at
the Camp Nou, including the Champions League four times.
However, his time in Catalonia has come to an end after
Barcelona confirmed that due to 'economic and structural obstacles' his
contract can not be renewed, making him a free agent and opening the door for a
shock move to Manchester City.
"Despite having reached an agreement between FC
Barcelona and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a
new contract today, it cannot be formalized due to economic and structural
obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations)," the club said in a statement.
"Given this situation, Lionel Messi will not continue
linked to FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the
player and the Club cannot finally be fulfilled.
"Barca would like to thank with all its heart the
player's contribution to the enhancement of the institution and wishes him the
best in his personal and professional life."
Messi's relationship with Barca has been on shaky ground
since he announced his intention to leave last summer but his exit was
prevented as the Argentine was unwilling to go to court with the club over a
clause in his contract.
City were immediately made favourites to sign the six-time
Ballon d'Or winner, and the Blues' club's Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada
has since told the Manchester Evening news that the club would be able to
afford a move for Messi.
Whether City will make another attempt to sign Messi this
summer remains to be seen, with the club set to announce the £100m signing of
Jack Grealish imminently and still pursuing Tottenham striker Harry Kane.