It is official. Leo Messi will not be playing for FC Barcelona this coming season.
This surprise development was announced by the Barça club on Thursday afternoon in a statement, in which it explains that this outcome, undesired by both player and club, has been forced on them due to "economic and structural obstacles", alluding to the Spanish Liga regulations regarding the limit of the club wage bill.
Agreement between the parties, not enough
But it was not to be. "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 Liga regulations)," says the club's statement on its website.
"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," reads the official statement.
"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," concludes the football club's message.
Main image: Leo Messi, in a match last season / EFE