La Liga giants Barcelona on Thursday evening released a statement saying that captain Lionel Messi was not going to be with the club next season.
This is news that shocked the entire world for the Argentine had announced his intentions to stay longer at the Catalan club.
Joan Laporta in his campaigns said that his main aim was to keep Messi and it seems that he has failed in his mission.
The 34-year-old Messi, a free agent since 1 July, had been set to sign a new deal to extend his 21-year stay at the Nou Camp.
Barca said the contract was due to be signed on Thursday, but the Spanish league's "financial and structural obstacles" have made this impossible.
The latest twist in events have blown Messi’s situation wide open but what are his options?
The issue that has come up is how Barca will manage Messi’s wages. The club is currently struggling financially and keeping Messi would make the club broke if not make it run into bankruptcy.
Barca’s club statement read: "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 will not be possible to formalise it due to economic obstacles (Spanish La Liga regulations)."
The Catalan giants have been unable to register any new contracts or player registrations with their league season getting underway in 10 days against Real Sociedad.
Barcelona are currently operating above their salary limit according to a cap imposed by La Liga. According to the league governing body, all clubs must operate within their spending capabilities.
What next for the little magician?
The 34-year-old has long been linked with a reunion with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City but this is unlikely after the premier league champions signed Jack Grealish for a record 100m pounds and are in hot pursue of Harry Kane from Tottenham.
French giants Paris Saint-Germian are the favorites to land his signature. His boyhood club of Newell’s Old Boys are also interested in his services.
French football expert Julien Laurens says: "I still think Barca are bluffing. From a PSG point of view and what they have said over the last year is that if Messi becomes available, and is interested, then they believe they have got enough in bank and resources to make that deal happen.