BREAKING: Barcelona confirm Messi’s exit as contract talks collapse

Barcelona have announced that Lionel Messi will leave this summer.

The LaLiga giants confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday.

“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).

“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,” it read in part.