"Despite 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," the statement said.

Messi joined Barcelona at the age of 13 and made his competitive debut at 17 in 2004. Since then, he has established himself as a "special" player throughout the world. In 2008-09 he started to play regularly and had his first full season, which helped Barcelona to achieve their first treble in the Spanish La Liga. In that same year, Messi also won his first Ballon d'Or.

In the following three seasons, Messi won another three Ballon d'Or in a row to make a new world record. Currently, Lionel Messi has six Ballon d'Or. Following is Cristiano Ranaldo, who has five Ballon d'Or.

At the point of departure, Barcelona said they want to send their gratitude to Lionel Messi. " FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandizement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life." the statement said.

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