Gists By How FIFA, Reacted After, Messi’s Exit From, Barcelona Was, Confirmed
FIFA, the world football governing body,
has reacted to the departure of Lionel
Messi from Barcelona, saying what the
Argentine did for the La Liga club “was
utterly mind-blowing.”
Barcelona announced Messi’s departure
on Thursday after both parties had
initially agreed to sign a new contract.
However, the 34-year-old who scored 672
goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona
could not sign the contract due to La Liga
regulations.
A statement on the club’s website read,
“Despite FC 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 (Spanish Liga regulations).
“As a result of this situation, Messi shall
not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both
parties deeply regret that the wishes of
the player and the club will ultimately not
be fulfilled.
“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses
its gratitude to the player for his
contribution to the aggrandisement of the
club and wishes him all the very best for
the future in his personal and professional
life.”
Reacting, FIFA tweeted, “Has one man
ever done more for one club?
“Man superhero Leo, what you did for
Barça was utterly mind-blowing.”