It's official: Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi will not stay at FC Barcelona.
The departure comes less than a month after Messi and Barcelona verbally agreed to a five-year deal.
"Despite having reached an agreement between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it cannot be formalized due to economic and structural obstacles (in Spanish LaLiga regulations)," FC Barcelona said in a statement. "Faced with this situation, Lionel Messi will not continue linked to FC Barcelona."
Messi had previously ended his 21-year contract with Barcelona in June. He is currently a free agent.
Josie Fischels is an intern on NPR's News Desk.
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