According to an official statement, Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona weren’t able to solidify a new contract, which means the star forward won’t re-sign with the club.
The statement cites “financial and structural obstacles” as the reasons why it didn’t work out.
Messi was a free agent during the offseason, when his contract with the club expired. But the two were reportedly in talks for a five-year extension in July, which involved a huge slash in his salary.
Messi is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with Forbes reporting in May that he earns $130 million a year.