Messi divorce

Soccer superstar Messi leaving FC Barcelona, team says

Club blames ‘Spanish league regulations’ for blocking deal despite sides agreeing to new contract, ending Argentine forward’s 20-year career with squad

By AP 5 August 2021, 10:27 pm Edit

In this file photo dated Thursday, April 29, 2021, Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts during the Spanish La Liga match against Granada at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (AP/Joan Monfort)

BARCELONA, Spain — FC Barcelona said on Thursday that Lionel Messi will not stay with the club after Spanish league financial regulations made it impossible for a deal to be reached between the club and the player.

FC Barcelona said in a statement that a deal for a new contract had been reached, but financial “obstacles” made it impossible for the player to remain with the club after a 20-year career there.

“Despite club and player reaching an agreement and their clear intention to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles,” the club said.

It blamed “Spanish league regulations” for not allowing the club to sign a new contract with the player. His previous one had ended on June 30.

“As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona,” it said. “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 aggrandizement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life,” the statement said.