Lionel Messi won't be a Barcelona player anymore. News has just broken on Thursday that the Argentina star won't continue with the club any longer. Where will Messi go now is the million-dollar question.
LATEST NEWS | Leo #Messi will not continue with FC Barcelona
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021
OFFICIAL STATEMENT #Messi
“Despite having reached an agreement between Barça and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it will not be possible to formalize due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations)”. pic.twitter.com/9P7YAdbYBq— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2021
It was originally thought that Messi's continuation with the Catalan club was certain and "beyond doubt."
Messi and Barcelona had come to an agreement, however, "financial and structural" obstacles are the official reason for Messi's departure.
Details are still coming in on where Messi and Barcelona will go from here. League play begins next week across Europe.
Where Will Messi Go Now?
Messi is still a free agent and wouldn't cost an interested club a transfer fee. The two Madrid clubs can be ruled out as Messi once stated he could never play for a Barcelona rival. Here are potential clubs that could pull off the greatest transfer in history.
Manchester City/NYCFC (Messi has expressed interest in playing in MLS in the past.)
Juventus (Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same club? Sign me up.)
Chelsea (The Blues have been ready to pay Romelu Lukaku a fortunue. A switch of gears could be possible.)
PSG (The French powerhouse has been crazy with the free agent signings this summer. What's one more?)
A lot of other clubs are still on the table. Time will quickly tell where Messi ends up.