The news that Lionel Messi will not continue with Barcelona shocked the world on Thursday evening.
MARCA broke the story earlier on Thursday after negotiations between the two parties stalled, which has since led to Barcelona announcing that Messi will leave the club.
Here, we will keep you up to date with all the news and reactions on the Argentine’s exit.
Messi leaves Barcelona LIVE
10.46 CEST. Laport to speak to the press
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is set to speak to the press about the situation regarding Leo Messi at 11:00 CEST. There, he will explain how the negotiations had gone not only with the player but with LaLiga who had a pivotal role in the decision due to the club’s financial situation.
09.35 CEST. Messi sad and in shock
According to Diario Ole in Argentina, Leo Messi was left in shock after his father informed him that he would not be able to continue at the club following a meeting with Joan Laporta. However, they also claim that he is now looking towards his next challenge.
08.25 CEST. Messi has already spoken with Pochettino.
‘The Athletic’ reports that Leo Messi has already spoken with PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino about a possible move to the French giants, where he could be reunited with Neymar. The Parisians are favourites in the race to sign the forward.
08.15 CEST. Global press reaction
The news of Messi’s departure is on the front page of all the sporting news papers around the world, and even some of the general papers as well. Here is how they reacted:
