'Argentine Soccer Hero' Messi Parts Ways with FC Barcelona

Failed Due to League Rules Despite Contract Agreement

Lionel Messi is holding the 2021 Copa America Cup.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Argentina's football hero Lionel Messi is parting ways with his team, Spain's FC Barcelona, after 20 years. Media outlets worldwide urgently reported the transfer news of the world's top football star.

According to CNBC, Barcelona announced on the 5th (local time) in a statement that the renewal of Messi's contract had failed.

The club explained, "Although the club and Messi clearly intended to sign the contract today after agreeing on a new deal, the contract could not be completed due to the league's financial and structural obstacles."

Barcelona stated, "Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club were ultimately not fulfilled."

Messi had become a free agent (FA) at the end of June, but instead of transferring, he had agreed to renew his contract with Barcelona with a 50% salary cut and a 5-year contract, deciding to remain a 'one-club man.'

Messi played 778 matches wearing the Barcelona uniform and scored 672 goals. Alongside Messi, Barcelona dominated not only Spain but also the European stage.

Messi has won the Ballon d'Or, awarded annually by FIFA to the best performing football player in the world, six times.

Recently, Messi also lifted the 2021 Copa America Cup with the Argentina national team, shedding the stigma of never having won a major tournament.

Barcelona expressed gratitude, saying, "We sincerely thank him for his contributions to the club and wish him the best of luck in his personal life and football career."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.