Lionel Messi Is Leaving Barcelona this summer!

Despite being widely expected to stay at the Nou Camp, Lionel Messi will shock the world by walking away from Barcelona this summer and leaving the Spanish giants for good.

After his original contract with Barcelona expired last month, Messi became a free agent, but was expected to re-sign with the club following positive initial talks between all parties.

Messi was set to sign a new long-term contract, albeit at a lower salary. The Catalan giants, on the other hand, have confirmed that the agreement is dead due to economic and structural issues (Spanish LaLiga regulations).

'Despite having reached an agreement between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi, and with the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, it cannot be formalized due to economic and structural obstacles (Spanish LaLiga regulations),' Barcelona said in a shock statement on Thursday evening.

'In light of this, Lionel Messi will no longer be associated with FC Barcelona.' Both parties are deeply disappointed that the player's and the Club's wishes cannot be realized.

'Barca wishes the player all the best in his personal and professional life and thanks him from the bottom of his heart for his contribution to the institution.'

The news was first reported by Catalan radio station RAC1 earlier in the evening, who stated that Messi's situation at Barca had become "irreversible."

He's'more out of Barca than ever' and 'doesn't like the current squad,' according to reports.

On his return to the city on Wednesday after an off-season vacation with his wife and children, the 34-year-old is said to have expressed his views to the club.

However, as the news spread like wildfire online, Messi's father and agent chose to publicly speak out, re-sharing a report on Messi's impending departure with the simple caption: 'Lie.'