Lionel Messi is no longer a Barça player as the La Liga side confirms the departure of their all-time best player on Thursday evening.

The Camp Nou outfit were doing all their best to extend the contract of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and expected to go until 2026.

However, due to financial issues, Barcelona can’t register Lionel Messi into their squad and are compelled to let him go.

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Full statement :

“Leo Messi not staying at FC Barcelona. Despite club and player reaching an agreement and their clear intention to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations).

“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 enlargement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”