The living 'soccer legend' Lionel Messi will part with Spanish professional football FC Barcelona.
The Barcelona club said in a statement that Messi had to leave the club as his contract could not be renewed due to economic and structural obstacles under La Liga rules.
The club said, "Although it was clear that Barcelona and Messi agreed to a new contract and signed the contract today, the contract could not be made due to financial and structural difficulties."
"As a result of this situation, Messi will not be able to stay at FC Barcelona," Barcelona said in a statement.
Argentine superstar Messi is leaving Barcelona for the first time in over 20 years since joining the Barcelona youth team at the age of 13.
Messi, who scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona, holds the record for most appearances and goals in the club's history.
Messi, who became a free agent at the end of June this year, was able to negotiate a transfer with other clubs, but has been negotiating a new contract with Barcelona as a priority.
It is said that Messi cut his salary significantly and agreed to a five-year contract with Barcelona in principle, but in the end, it seems that the last-minute contract could not be reached due to La Liga regulations.
For the departing star, Barcelona expressed their gratitude: "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for his contribution to the club and wish him the best of luck in his personal and football life."
Previously, Messi officially requested a transfer in August last year due to worsening relations with the club's management, but changed his mind to stay for one more year.
(Photo=AFP, Yonhap News)