Lionel Messi, known as one of the greatest soccer players in history has decided to quit Barcelona. The soccer star has invoked a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave with immediate effect without a transfer fee to the club.
Messi who has spent his entire career at Barcelona has finally called it quits after his team’s constant downward spiral. After the humiliating loss (8-2) by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, the team has been engrossed in internal turmoil. Earlier, Quique Setién, the manager, and the sporting director, Eric Abidal, both left, and Ronald Koeman, a former Barcelona player, was appointed as coach.
However, instead of improvement, the new coach decided to tell senior players in the game to find themselves another club. Samuel Umtiti, Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic, and Messi’s close friend, Luis Suárez were told to choose a club for themselves as they are not required here anymore.
According to news reports from Spain, Koeman had earlier also warned Messi about getting special treatment and said that would no longer be the case. Messi who was already in the midst of leaving is said to have made his decision then and there.
Messi, 33 put his decision in writing on Tuesday. He and his representatives sent a burofax, informing Barcelona that the player intends to cancel his contract. A club spokeswoman confirmed the club had received the document.
Messi and His Legacy
In 2017, Barcelona announced a contract extension that would keep Messi with the team until June 30, 2021, and is reportedly worth €565,000 ($645,000) a week. Messi has been with the club since 2000. However, thanks to a clause in the contract Messi is free to leave the club as long as he does so before the end of the season.
Messi who has been in the club since he was 13 is arguably the greatest soccer player in history. A The six-time Ballon d’Or winner which is more than anyone in La Liga history, Messi also helped Barcelona win 10 10 Spanish championships, four Champions League trophies. His record at the club is impeccable.
He has scored more goals than anyone else in La Liga history and holds the assist record, too. Messi has also played in more victories than any other Barcelona player, scored more hat-tricks, and doubles than anyone else. His rise is significant and almost identical to the rise of Barcelona.
Should Messi and the team go through with the decision without contest, the star footballer won’t be short of suitors. Manchester City — managed by Messi’s old mentor, Pep Guardiola — and Paris St.-Germain are one of the closest choices for him.
Die-hard fans of the star have been heartbroken and urging the club to replace the current leadership. Lionel Messi’s leave from Barcelona would truly mean the end of a historical era.
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