Lionel Messi, the greatest soccer player of his generation, is leaving FC Barcelona, the only pro club he has ever played for, according to the team.
Although Messi has been a free agent since July 1, the sides were expected to finalize a five-year contract soon, clearing the way for the Argentine attacker to begin preparations for his 18th pro season in Catalonia and continue a relationship that started at age 13 when he joined the youth academy.
Barcelona cited “economic and structural obstacles” in trying to close the deal, even though Messi agreed to a substantial pay cut from his previous salary of about $32 million.