Lionel Messi was reportedly “deeply distressed” after hearing that FC Barcelona would announce to not extend his contract.
The Catalan giants dropped a bombshell on Thursday evening, confirming the club will not renew his deal.
“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),” the club said in a statement.
Messi’s contract had expired on 30 June but it was widely reported that he was close to agreeing to a new five-year deal.
However, LaLiga financial restrictions seemingly make it impossible for the Blaugrana to re-register Messi despite the Argentine prepared to agree to a 50% lesser salary.
According to Sport, Messi himself did not expect things to pen out this way. He arrived back in Barcelona from Ibiza on Wednesday and was ready to sign his new deal.
The Spanish publication report sources says Messi was “deeply distressed” to hear the news about Barca’s announcement.
He did not expect this news and has not opened negotiations with any other club yet.