The news that the Argentina star will not sign a new contract has sparked a lot of speculation around his next move
It has actually happened. Lionel Messi has left Barcelona.
The club confirmed that the Argentina star will not sign a new contract to ensure he returns to Ronald Koeman’s squad because they cannot afford to register him.
The 34-year-old was had agreed to sign a five-year deal with the Camp Nou outfit and take a 50 per cent pay cut, but the two parties have no choice but to go their separate ways after holding talks on Thursday.
What has been said?
The revelation has rocked social media, with many excited to see where the 34-year-old will continue his career.
At the same time there are some who are sceptical about the veracity of Barcelona’s statement, suggesting it is all a ploy to force La Liga to bend the rules and let them register the icon.
𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗔
You can’t spell Barce ona without Lionel Messi 😞 pic.twitter.com/VWitWeO8dE
— Goal (@goal) August 5, 2021
Thank you, Leo. pic.twitter.com/cdS9xWe8Me
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021
Club statement. How on earth have they got themselves in to this predicament? Mess que un club. https://t.co/0OFFHn4ItU
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) August 5, 2021
Guardiola on his way to Sheikh Mansour after hearing Messi has left Barcalona pic.twitter.com/1E2WG8abpl
— Harry (@wroetoshaw) August 5, 2021
I don’t see Messi leaving Barca. It’s all in the statement. Player and Club reached an agreement but ‘Spanish Liga regulations’ means there are obstacles. Over to you LaLiga if you want to have the best player in the world still in this league.
— amar singh (@amarjourno) August 5, 2021
So should we slide into Messi’s DMs or…? 👀
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) August 5, 2021
Man City giving Grealish the #10 shirt hours before Messi leaves Barcelona pic.twitter.com/bkHzcQ0SXq
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) August 5, 2021
It’s time. #Messi pic.twitter.com/rkRCN37MgY
— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) August 5, 2021
Man City and PSG lawyers fighting outside Messi’s house right now pic.twitter.com/dlZxSThzNk
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) August 5, 2021
As was the case on the burofax day last year, the wording of this release suggests this is a tactic to try to persuade the Spanish authorities to let Barcelona keep Messi at the club. https://t.co/1z5PI4Aist
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 5, 2021
Messi fans migrating from Barcelona rn pic.twitter.com/dgYf9AUESi
— Wiroti ⁷ 🇵🇹 (@BirotiDi7) August 5, 2021
Where could Messi go?
Messi is ready to listen to offers from other clubs after losing hope of remaining at Camp Nou.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be eager to get him and are among the few clubs that can afford to match his salary demands.
But the Copa America winner has previously said he would like to finish his career at his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.
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