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The end of an era is finally upon us.

Footballing icon Lionel Messi is set to leave FC Barcelona after 17 years at the club.

He is leaving the club that he joined as a boy, where he played 778 games for them, scoring 672 goals and made 305 assists; winning 35 titles along the way.

The 34-year-old legend has been a free agent since his current contract expired on 30 June.

Barcelona released a statement on their website, explaining that Messi’s departure was because of financial and structural obstacles as per the La Liga’s regulations.

“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 Spanish LaLiga regulations on player registration.

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 aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”