Barcelona has announced the exit of Argentine forward, Linoel Messi from the Laliga side after 18 seasons with the club.

This is coming after both sides failed to agree on a new contract that could continue to keep the four-time Champions League winner at the club.

The 34-year-old legend has spent his entire club career with the La Liga giant, becoming their all-time top scorer.

He has 672 goals in 778 appearances including 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, and six Ballon d’Or awards.

A statement from the club reads;

“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.”

Follow the latest updates on Messi’s future away from the Nou Camp with PSG and Manchester City emerging as the strongest contenders to sign the 34-year-old: