Sports
Lionel Messi bids farewell to FC Barcelona after 21 years
Star footballer Lionel Messi despite reaching an agreement with the club and clear intention to sign a new contract has left FC Barcelona.
Barcelona confirmed the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's departure on Thursday night, the same day he returned to Catalonia following his post-Copa America holiday.
Amid Spanish LaLiga regulations on player registration, both parties could not sign the contract.
Messi had travelled to Barcelona expecting to agree on the details of the announcement of his new five-year deal, and he confirmed he offered to reduce his wages by 50 per cent.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta blamed Messi's exit on the former regime at the club in addition to La Liga spending rules thwarting any hopes of the Argentinian staying in Catalonia.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expressed its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wished him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.
Messi addressed his shock exit from Barcelona at an emotional presser at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
He explained the situation that sees him leave the La Liga club following 21 glorious years.
After giving his side of his departure, Messi received a standing ovation from everyone inside the room, with the 34-year-old reduced to tears in a hugely emotional moment.
His wife, his kids and his ex-teammates including Gerard Pique, as well as past legends, gave him a touching send-off.