Barcelona (AFP)

Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi will not sign a contract extension with FC Barcelona, ​​which he leaves at 34 after more than 20 seasons in the Blaugrana jersey, announced the Catalan club on Thursday.

"Although an agreement has been reached between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi (...) it cannot be formalized due to economic and structural obstacles (the regulations of the Spanish Liga)", said Barça in a press release, pointing to the La Liga salary cap rules that would prevent the Argentinian's contract from being registered.

"Faced with this situation, Lionel Messi will not remain linked to FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the club cannot come true," the club continued.

"Barça want to wholeheartedly thank the player for his contribution to the institution and wish him the best for his personal and professional life."

At the end of the contract last June, the six-fold Ballon d'Or found himself free to sign where he wanted, a thunderclap even as the Spanish press expected the imminent conclusion of the agreement between the two parties.

- Financial difficulties -

Since the end of the disappointing 2020-2021 season, completed with the only King's Cup trophy on the shelf, the Catalan club has done everything to keep its jewel and chase away the desires of the Argentine, who had already expressed in the summer of 2020 his desires elsewhere.

But the serious financial difficulties of Barça to stay within the limits of the financial fair play of the Spanish League, got the better of the operation, despite a pecuniary effort from the small Argentine striker, ready to halve his salary and extend for five seasons according to the Spanish press.

The six Ballons d'Or striker, just winner of the Copa América with Argentina, had become the player who played the most games at Barça this season, ahead of the 767 appearances of legend Xavi.

This shattering rebound concerning one of the greatest players in history is likely to upset the transfer market and the specialized press, before the point of fall of the Argentine star is known.

Last summer, the desire to leave Messi had already caused a long soap opera, but the player had finally decided to stay in Catalonia, despite the interest mentioned by the press of Paris SG or Manchester City.

© 2021 AFP