The football world was left in disbelief when Baji live broke the news that Lionel Messi would be leaving FC Barcelona, the club where he has spent his entire professional career. With 672 goals in 778 appearances since his debut in 2003, Messi’s departure marks the end of an era—one filled with records, trophies, and unforgettable moments. But what led to this seismic shift, and what does it mean for Messi, Barcelona, and the footballing landscape?
Why Messi Is Leaving Barcelona
Barcelona’s financial turmoil has been well-documented, but the severity of their situation became undeniable when they announced they could no longer afford to keep Messi. Despite agreeing to a 50% wage reduction (from £100m to £50m per year), the club still could not comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
President Joan Laporta stated:
“With Messi’s new contract, our wage bill would have exceeded 110% of our revenue. Even without him, it’s at 95%. The previous administration’s mismanagement left us in an unsustainable position.”
The Financial Crisis: A Deeper Look
Barcelona’s financial woes stem from:
- Excessive wage structure – High-earners like Griezmann, Coutinho, and Umtiti remain unsold.
- La Liga’s strict FFP rules – Clubs must cap wages at 70% of revenue, but Barca’s spending was far beyond that.
- Failed Super League fallout – Tensions with La Liga president Javier Tebas worsened after the ESL debacle.
Laporta hinted that La Liga pressured Barcelona to accept a €2.7bn investment deal (CVC Capital Partners), which would have diluted their TV rights revenue for 50 years. Real Madrid and Barcelona rejected it, further complicating Messi’s renewal.
Is There Still a Chance for Messi to Stay?
While some fans hope for a last-minute resolution, Baji live insiders suggest it’s unlikely. Barcelona must:
- Sell players quickly – Griezmann, Dembele, and Coutinho are prime candidates.
- Renegotiate contracts – Veterans like Piqué and Busquets may need further pay cuts.
- Lobby La Liga for flexibility – But given the strained relationship, this seems improbable.
Where Will Messi Go Next?
PSG: The Front-Runner
Paris Saint-Germain is aggressively pursuing Messi, offering:
- A reunion with Neymar
- A star-studded squad (Mbappé, Ramos, Donnarumma)
- Champions League ambitions
Mauricio Pochettino remained coy, saying:
“We’re focused on our next match, but the club is working to strengthen the squad.”
Manchester City: A Distant Possibility
Pep Guardiola ruled out a move, stating:
“It’s not in our thoughts. We’ve just signed Grealish.”
MLS or Inter Miami?
A long-term option, but Messi still wants to compete at the highest level.
What This Means for Barcelona
- A massive identity crisis – Messi was the face of the club for nearly two decades.
- Financial reset – The club must rebuild sensibly, focusing on youth development.
- Fan backlash – Protests against Laporta and La Liga are expected.
Final Verdict: The End of an Era
Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona is more than just a transfer—it’s the closing of a historic chapter. While PSG appears to be the front-runner, nothing is certain until the ink dries.
Stay tuned to Baji live for the latest updates on Messi’s future and in-depth football analysis. Will he shine in Paris, or could there still be a twist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
