Today In History: Barcelona Announce Bombshell Messi Departure
On August 5 2021, Barcelona announced Lionel Messi would be leaving the club after 18 years with the first team.
Mired in financial chaos at the time, Barcelona could not afford the eight-time Ballon D'or winner a new contract and he left for Paris Saint Germain as a free agent days later.
A statement on the club's website read: "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."
Messi made 778 appearances for Barcelona after making his debut in 2003 and is the club’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals. He won 35 trophies with the club including four UEFA Champions League trophies and 10 La Liga titles.
