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Cash-strapped Barcelona left in quite a Mess as Leo departs
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Gavin Glicksman
LiveScore
Lionel Messi's 21-year stay with Barcelona is officially over
Lionel Messi's 21-year stay with Barcelona is officially over

Barcelona have confirmed Lionel Messi will NOT play for them this season. 

The Argentine superstar, 34, has been a free agent since July 1 when his contract expired. 

He had agreed a new deal with the cash-strapped LaLiga giants on a reduced salary but it was dependent on departures. 

The club's dire financial situation means they are unable to register new players due to the Spanish league's salary restrictions.

And Barcelona have now revealed Messi's dazzling spell with them is over. 

An official statement said: "Despite Barcelona and 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. 

"As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on. 

"Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.

"Barcelona wholeheartedly express gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wish him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life."

Messi is widely acknowledged as Barca's greatest player of all time. 

Along with scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances in all competitions, he has been part of four triumphant Champions League teams and lifted the LaLiga title on 10 occasions with the Catalans. 

The Argentina international was linked with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain when he first pursued a Camp Nou exit last year. 

But City have their sights set elsewhere and PSG have already splashed the cash this summer while also handing Neymar a new contract. 

This is the first time Messi has been without a club during his illustrious career. He famously made the move from Argentina to join up with Barcelona's La Masia academy at the age of 13.

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BarcelonaLaLigaLionel Messi
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