OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi will not renew his contract with FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona issued official statement confirming that Lionel Messi will not renew his contract with Barcelona.

Earlier, Leo Messi arrived in Barcelona to renew his contract with Barcelona. However, in shocking turnaround of event, both parties decided to part ways, apparently, because of the club’s poor financial condition.

In this regard, FC Barcelona issued the following official statement:

“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),” the statement read.

“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.

“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.”