Lionel MESSI does not renew with Barcelona and becomes the most coveted and expensive free agent in the history of football. A press release of a dozen lines from the club formalized the surprise ending of a negotiation that, until a few hours earlier, seemed to be heading towards a new five-year contract. "Although Barcelona and Messi had reached an agreement and despite the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today - says the note -, this cannot happen due to financial and structural obstacles (Spanish La Liga rules)". In the decisive meeting with Jorge Messi, father and agent of the champion, according to the reconstructions of the Catalan media, under pressure from La Liga the club asked for a significant reduction in salary (71 million euros),that would have sent the 34-year-old footballer into a rage, bringing the negotiation to a point of no return.
The story, also intertwined with the entry of the CVC fund into the La Liga, disputed by Barcelona and Real Madrid, therefore leads to the end of a story that began in 2000. And inevitably the possibility of hiring Messi on a free transfer triggers quite a few knock-on effects on the operations market of the big European clubs. The first automatic suggestions lead to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who in the meantime has signed Jack GREALISH until 2026 (for 100 million euros) and for weeks has also been courting Harry KANE, who has remained in the United States (the coach Nuno Espirito Santo has admitting he hasn't heard it yet) in a showdown with Tottenham, determined to sell it for no less than 175 million.
Lionel Messi will not stay at Barcelona. The club made it official, confirming that the negotiations for the renewal have failed "due to financial and structural obstacles (regulations of the Spanish Liga)". "Although Barcelona and Lionel Messi have reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen due to financial and structural obstacles (Spanish La Liga rules"), Barcelona said in a statement. official. "As a result of this situation - it continues - Messi will not stay in Barcelona. Both sides deeply regret that in the end the wishes of the player and the club cannot be fulfilled. Barcelona expresses their gratitude to the player from the bottom of their hearts. for his contribution to theexpansion of the club and wishes him all the best for his future in personal and professional life. "
