Messi shares emotional call with wife after Copa America win
Lionel Messi has officially left Barcelona, the club with whom he has spent his entire professional career, after their contract dispute could not be resolved. The Argentine's departure comes as one of the shocks of the summer, as a number of clubs will undoubtedly circle around one of the greatest players in history.
The two parties were expected to come to an agreement at some point this summer, although La Liga's financial regulations dictated that Barca had to shift some of their highest earners off the wage bill before Messi's renewal could be formally announced.
The 34-year-old had already agreed to a 50% wage reduction in order to keep his stint in Catalonia alive.
Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho were believed to be two of the biggest names who Barca were desperate to move on, although all links eventually went cold.
When it became clear that buyers were not forthcoming for Barca's big earners, SportItalia reported that La Liga refused to give the green light on Messi's new deal.
Messi has spent his entire career with Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
As a result, club president Joan Laporta supposedly had to request another pay cut from the Argentine, leading to Messi becoming 'completely fed up' with the situation.
A report from Tancredi Palmeri also states that PSG now stand at the front of the queue to land the megastar.
Although Messi would be available for free, his wages would require serious financial backing, the kind which the Parisians can undoubtedly boast.
The Argentine has also been linked with Man City in the past, although their current pursuits of both Jack Grealish and Harry Kane suggest that the ship may have already sailed.
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The situation escalated quickly, after it was reported by Marca that Messi had 'never been closer to the Barca exit door than today'.
Barcelona have released an official statement, which reads: "Despite having reached an agreement between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it cannot be formalized due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations).
"Given this situation, Lionel Messi will not continue linked to FC Barcelona.
"Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the Club cannot finally be fulfilled.
Messi had been on holiday until the resolution of his contract dispute (Image: GETTY)
"Barça would like to thank with all its heart the player's contribution to the enhancement of the institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life."
Indeed, the shock outcome calls time on an entire career spent with the Catalan side, including more than 600 goals and countless trophies.
What happens next is anyone's call - however, this could merely be the start of a long-running story from now until deadline day.