Messi has finally left Barcelona as the greatest football player among the best players in the world and in the club. With Messi wanting to stay because the club could no longer afford Lionel Messi wages. It is such a shame for a club that a player, who has given everything to the club and is known to be the best ever will not be able to wear Barcelona's Number 10 jersey in the upcoming season. And we all know how Barca will be without Messi.

The official reason for Messi’s shock departure is a result of ongoing financial and structural obstacles in the club. Among the elite clubs in Europe, Barcelona has been one of the clubs affected by the impact of COVID-19 crisis on the economy, and have been struggling to reduce their wage bill to fit in line with La liga’s fair play regulations for the 2021/22 season. As a result of that, long term veterans like Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets have both been suggested to be taken on a 40% wage cut in compensation for extended contracts. Several highest paid players in the club have been rumoured to be on the transfer list, and that was the only solution which was brought forward to deal with the ongoing off pitch crisis. Barcelona is operating with a severely reduced budget for the upcoming season and with Messi being the highest paid player in the world as of 2021, the club cannot financially afford to keep him.

Some fans blame FC Barcelona for their failure to comply with La Liga’s regulations. Because Barcelona wants to reduce over $200 million in salaries just to sign Messi. Messi officially became a free agent in July after his previous contract expired on 30 June. Despite initial rumour that Messi had been expected to sign a new 5 year contract at the Nou Camp and can only leave until the end of the 2025/2026 season with a 50% wage cut to aid with the ongoing financial problems. However, it is now seen that the deal has collapsed and Messi’s legendary career at the club has come to an end.