He finally agreed terms on the switch on Tuesday morning and has been pictured in the French capital after he flew from Barcelona.
In news that shocked the world on Thursday, Barcelona announced that Messi’s two-decade stay at Barcelona was over after “financial and structural obstacles” prevented the Argentine from signing a new deal.
A statement on the Catalan giants’ official website said: “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).
“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.”
Barca president Joan Laporta gave a press conference on Friday morning where he declared the talks over extending Messi’s 21-year stay with the club were “over”.
“The negotiation (with Messi) is over,” he added. “La Liga are not flexible with their salary limit, they would only do so if we mortgaged the broadcast rights of this club for half a century.
“I don’t want to generate false hopes. It is true that the player also has other offers, we heard that during the negotiations. There is also a deadline for us, La Liga is starting soon. The FFP is also clear and the player cannot stay in this (limbo) situation.”
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