Lionel Messi told reporters that he did « everything possible » to stay at Barcelona, but league regulations prevented him from signing a new contract.
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi broke down in tears during an emotional press conference where he confirmed that he is leaving his longtime club FC Barcelona. The 34-year-old, who joined FC Barcelona’s famed youth academy aged 13, and is the club’s all-time top scorer and appearance maker, entered the press conference Sunday afternoon wearing a face mask and looked visibly emotional. Before he spoke to reporters, he was passed a tissue by his wife to wipe away tears. « The truth is I’m leaving. I’m so grateful for the care people have shown me, » he said during the press conference. « I never imagined having to say goodbye. » Later, Messi confirmed that he had wanted to stay at Barcelona, but he and the club could not finalise a new contract due to league regulations. « I did everything possible and the club, Laporta [President of Barcelona], they couldn’t do it because of LaLiga, » he said.
