Messi hot cake, but had to leave “to save Barca”

Lionel Messi had to exit Barcelona to save the club from the potential result of flouting the La Liga fair play and player registration rules.

Barcelona President Juan Laporte addressed a press conference explaining the shocking decision the club made on Thursday evening. Laporte cagily endorsed the decision not leaving much to be read in suspense as he insinuated that the hands of the club were tied and that no new deal would have materialised for the serial Balon d’Or winner.

Yesterday Barcelona announced that the Argentine would not renew his contract marking the era one his remarkable and historic career in Camp Nou, spanning 21 years dotted with many prestigious honours.

“Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi has 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),’’ Barcelona noted and went on to add: “As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.’’

Barcelona faced a financial crisis which so far delayed the registration of new signings Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero who the club hoped could play alongside Messi. But it was not to be.

Messi was put on hold in the hope of balancing books to secure another contract but this never happened. The Catalans are reportedly angling to move Felipe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele off their salary list but the trio is yet to receive concrete bids.

Clubs prepare to bid

Messi’s exit has also triggered widespread reports where European giants in PSG and Manchester City are preparing to launch a bid for him.

For example, Express.co.uk reports that PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino said “we know what happened yesterday between Messi and Barca… but we are fully focused on beating Troyes’’.

PSG is reportedly preparing to table a bid for the ex-Barcelona star. Manchester City on the other hand spent lavishly on the signing of Jack Grealish and have been touted to be scouting Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspurs. However, Le10sport reveals that the Blues are readying a two-year contract offer for Messi.