Barcelona have posted a farewell video to Lionel Messi after confirming that the club icon will not extend his stay at Camp Nou this summer.
The Spanish giants released a statement on Thursday revealing that both parties were keen to agree a deal which would see Messi reportedly take a 50% pay cut, but La Liga's salary cap prevented them from doing so.
As such, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner will now leave Barcelona this summer, ending a 21-year stay at the club having helped them to 34 trophies along the way.
Another U-turn in the year-long saga over Messi's future has not been ruled out by bookmakers, who suggest that the 34-year-old staying at Barcelona is second-favourite behind a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Barca have now posted a farewell video to their greatest ever player highlighting the best bits of a legendary career at the club.
Thank you, Leo. pic.twitter.com/cdS9xWe8Me
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021
Messi has directly contributed to a staggering 977 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 672 himself and creating a further 305 for his teammates.
The Argentine's tally of appearances, goals and assists are all club records, while he is among the favourites to pick up an unprecedented seventh Ballon d'Or this year.
Barney Corkhill
