Football
Lionel Messi Announces Shocking Departure from FC Barcelona
by privatebet.com - 2021/08/06
Lionel Messi’s contract with FC Barcelona expired earlier this summer and everyone expected it to be extended, but this plan didn’t come to fruition. After two decades with the Spanish club, Messi announced his shocking departure and he’s currently looking for a new home. The Argentine superstar was only 13 when he moved from his home country to Spain to play with Barca, and he’s been with the club ever since. After making his professional debut in 2004, Messi went on to establish himself as one of the team’s key players and he’s currently Barcelona's all-time top scorer. According to the official statement released by FC Barcelona, plans to sign a new contract with Messi fell through due to “financial and structural obstacles”, but they wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors. “FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life,” reads the official statement. It’s still unclear what’s next for Messi after leaving Barcelona, but there are a lot of rumors flying around. Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich are some of the clubs being mentioned as his potential new home. It’s uncertain if they can afford him because his four-year deal with Barcelona was reportedly worth up to $673 million.