Soccer icon Lionel Messi fights back tears as he bids a painful farewell to FC Barcelona.
PAU BARRENA / AFP - Getty ImagesSoccer icon Lionel Messi fought back tears Sunday as he bid a painful farewell to FC Barcelona.
Thursday. The Catalan giants' dire financial situation and the stringent rules of the Spanish league made it impossible for him to stay despite the wishes of both parties. Despite his advancing age, Messi remains a highly productive player in one of the world's most elite leagues, having scored 30 goals in 30 matches last season.
Messi said Sunday he would go on playing"as long as I go on being competitive and as long as my body responds." He had appeared set to stay at Barcelona, with Spanish media reporting that the two sides had agreed to a new five-year deal involving a 50 percent pay cut.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Tearful Messi confirms he is leaving Barcelona, in talks with PSGA tearful Lionel Messi confirmed that he is leaving FC Barcelona after the club said it could no longer afford paying the Argentine's high wages, adding he was in negotiations with French club Paris St Germain
Weiterlesen »
Tearful Lionel Messi confirms it's over at BarcaTearful Lionel Messi confirms he is leaving Barcelona after 17 trophy-laden years, with Paris Saint Germain his likely next port of call for a career swansong
Weiterlesen »
Messi to hold news conference on Sunday after shock Barcelona exitSix-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi will hold a news conference on Sunday at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium following his surprise departure, the La Liga club said.
Weiterlesen »
Lionel Messi receives formal PSG two-year contract offer after Barcelona exitLionel Messi has received a formal two-year contract offer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Weiterlesen »
Roger Federer, Lionel Messi and the pursuit of greatnessAs two of the most stylish and successful athletes of all time, Roger Federer and Lionel Messi naturally invite comparison. It is fitting that two books about them have been released at the same time
Weiterlesen »