Breaking: Barcelona announce Lionel Messi’s departure

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi will not sign a new deal with Barcelona, the Spanish giants have 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),” Barcelona said in a statement on Thursday.

“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.”