BARCELONA (Reuters) - FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta said on Friday the club had no choice but to part ways with Lionel Messi, who has been at Camp Nou for all of his playing career, as it could jeopardise the club's already precarious financial situation.

Laporta said the club and Messi had both wanted to sign a new contract, but salaries already represent 110% of the club's earnings, meaning it is spending much more than expected and such a move would be financially risky.