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Lionel Messi is leaving Spanish club FC Barcelona.
In a statement on Aug. 6, the club confirmed that Messi will not be signing a new contract even though he was expected to commit to a new one ahead of the new season.
Messi has been a free agent since his previous terms expired on June 30.
Due to "financial and structural obstacles"
Barcelona said that Messi could not sign a new contract because of "financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations)".
Here is the club's full statement:
"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.
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."
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Top photo from Getty Images.