The footballing world was halted in its tracks as news broke stating Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona.
After 778 games, 672 goals and 305 assists over the course of 21 years, the Argentinean wizard will depart the Nou Camp and seek another adventure.
Their inability to reduce their enormous wage bill, rendered any new deal insurmountable, despite the Barcelona captain agreeing to take a 50% wage cut.
"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)," Barcelona said in a statement.
"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 aggrandizement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life."
The five-time European Champions have endured a very difficult last few years, however, this day represents one of the most painful the club have ever endured.
Devastated supporters cried on the streets while clasping Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt to their chest.
However, in what has been a very emotional and testing day for the club, there has been a mysterious silence from his teammates.
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Legendary Barcelona captain Carles Puyol posted a response to the news on Instagram.
Former Barcelona director of La Masia training ground and striker Patrick Kluivert, posted a story on Instagram saying: “Not only are you the best in the world, but you are also a fantastic person. Thanks for everything, Leo.”
It is very unusual no current players has posted a message of support to Messi.
Nearly 24 hours have passed since the news broke, but there is still yet to be any social media posts or statuses from any of the current Barcelona squad.
That may be because Barcelona president Joan Laporta was carrying out a press conference today detailing the reasons why any new deal for the Argentina captain was not possible.
The 59-year-old who was re-elected as Barcelona chairman, replacing Josep Maria Bartomeu, announced the reasons why Messi’s new contract was not possible.
"Leo wanted to stay so he's not happy. We all wanted him to stay. But for him right now it's a situation in which he has to confront reality.
“It's a reality that can't be changed and he knows that I wish him the best wherever he goes, him and his family. Barca is his home. He has enlarged this club's trophy list and we'll always be thankful."
"The salary mass would have been 110% compared to the income of the club [with the reduced deal Messi agreed to]."
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