Barcelona officially announces Messi's departure from the team

Follow-up -INA

The Spanish club Barcelona announced, on Thursday evening, the departure of its star and captain, Lionel Messi, from the team.

In an official statement, the club said, "It thanks Leo Messi for everything he has done and wishes him all the best in his personal and professional life."

He added, "Despite reaching an agreement between Barcelona and Messi and a clear intention for both parties to sign a new contract today, it will not be possible to formalize due to the economic and structural obstacles to La Liga, so we regret to announce the end of Leo Messi's journey with FC Barcelona."