Barcelona legend Gary Lineker blasts ‘mess’ over Lionel Messi leaving as club confirms they can’t afford new contract

GARY LINEKER has blasted Barcelona for the “mess” leading to Lionel Messi’s impending exit. Ex-Barca and England striker Lineker wondered “how on earth” the Spanish giants “got themselves into this predicament” of losing arguably the world’s greatest-ever player. Barcelona blame LaLiga’s “financial and structural obstacles” as PSG and Manchester City hover for one-club legend Messi, 34. The record-shattering Argentina […]

GARY LINEKER has blasted Barcelona for the “mess” leading to Lionel Messi’s impending exit.

Ex-Barca and England striker Lineker wondered “how on earth” the Spanish giants “got themselves into this predicament” of losing arguably the world’s greatest-ever player.

Reuters

All-time great Lionel Messi faces leaving Barcelona after 17 years[/caption]

Reuters

NINTCHDBPICT000664097153[/caption]

Barcelona blame LaLiga’s “financial and structural obstacles” as PSG and Manchester City hover for one-club legend Messi, 34.

The record-shattering Argentina superstar became a free agent after 17 years on July 1 but soon agreed to a new contract until 2026 on less pay.

But LaLiga say Barca must reduce wages before they can register Messi and new players.

Lineker appeared to aim his ire at both the Catalan club and Spanish League chiefs

And he hit out in a reply to a post that read: “I don’t see Messi leaving Barca. It’s all in the statement. Player and Club reached an agreement but ‘Spanish Liga regulations’ means there are obstacles. Over to you LaLiga if you want to have the best player in the world still in this league.’

BBC pundit and former Tottenham ace Lineker responded: “Could be a lot of truth in this. Tens of millions around the world watch and are interested in LaLiga (not all of them obviously) because of #Messi.”

And replying directly to Barcelona announcing Messi’s departure, he added: “Club statement. How on earth have they got themselves into this predicament? Mess que un club.”

DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS

COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

Barca announced on Thursday night: “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) .

“Given this situation, Lionel Messi will not continue linked to FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of both the player and the Club cannot finally be fulfilled.

“Barca would like to thank with all its heart the player’s contribution to the enhancement of the institution and wishes him the best in his personal and professional life.”

Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals