Lionel Messi in Barcelona jersey. photo = Getty Images
The ‘god of football’ Lionel Messi (34) will end his 21-year partnership with Barcelona. The official position will be announced at a press conference on the 8th.
Barcelona said in a statement on the 5th (local time) that “the club and Messi had reached an agreement and there was a clear intention to sign a contract, but the contract could not be reached due to financial and structural obstacles.”
Messi’s contract with Barcelona expired at the end of June, and he became a free agent on July 1. But few expected him to leave the team. Rather, the majority of reports were that Messi, considering Barcelona’s financial problems, cut his salary by 50% for the team and left only the announcement of a five-year contract renewal. This is because Messi is a franchise star who joined the Barcelona youth team in 2000 and has maintained a ‘one team’.
Messi shared many glorious moments at Barcelona. Messi, who played the most official matches as a Barcelona player in 778 matches, has been reborn as the best soccer player of all time with 672 goals and 305 assists, winning the UEFA Champions League 4 times and the Spanish La Liga 10 times. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or, given to the best footballer in the world six times, the most.
However, Barcelona’s financial situation did not keep the team’s legend alive. Compared to his splendid career, there are even opinions that it is a rather futile exit. It was a lightning bolt for the fans who were waiting for the news of the contract renewal.
It is an unavoidable end. The club is now preparing to say goodbye to Messi. Barcelona announced that “Messi will be attending a press conference at 12 p.m. on the 8th.” This is 7pm Korean time.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG, France) is likely to be Messi’s next destination. On the 7th, BBC Sports reported that Messi contacted PSG after a contract with Barcelona failed. Sports media ‘ESPN’, citing a source, said, “PSG is planning to offer a three-year contract.”
Intern reporter Kang Hye-joon
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