AFTER 21 years, Argentinian football mega-star Lionel Andrés Messi has left FC Barcelona following financial problems on Thursday.
The 34-year-old captain for Argentina’s football team ended his double-decade relationship with the football club following a salary cap imposed by the Spanish La Liga’s rules.
On Thursday, FC Barcelona said in a statement, “Despite having reached an agreement with Messi and with both parties clearly wanting to sign a new contract, it cannot be finalised due to financial and structural problems [rules relating to the Spanish league].”
While both parties originally planned for a five-year extension of Messi’s contract, Spanish clubs must comply with the regulations on spending limits laid out by La Liga including salaries and signings.
FC Barcelona’s spending limit was originally over €600 million before the pandemic but has been reduced to €347 million last season and expected to be reduced further in the upcoming months.
FC Barcelona in their statement also thanked the star footballer for his contributions towards the club and felt that his departure would leave the wishes of both parties unfulfilled.
“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.”
