FC Barcelona today, Thursday, August 5, 2021 put out a statement that shook the world of football after the renege of contract renewal with globally celebrated footballer, Lionel Messi.

The Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi will not be staying at Barcelona after spending his entire professional career with the Spanish club up until now because of financial and structural obstacles evinced by the Spanish La Liga regulations.

Lionel Messi has won a six Ballon d’Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes, playing 778 games, scoring 672 goals, registering 305 assists, and bagging 35 trophies, in his entire  career.

A statement on the official website of FC Barcelona said “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 added that “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.”

The club ended by wishing Messi success in his future endeavours.

Meanwhile, there has been an unwavering stir amongst football enthusiasts around the world with many noting that Messi should have left long ago when his ovation was high, indicating his football value may have been on a diminishing slide over the years.

As the days come along, expectations are high on where the football idol will pitch his tent for the oncoming seasons and the extent to which he will be priced.