The era of football superstar Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona is over. The 34-year-old Argentine could not agree on a new contract with the Spanish club, as the Catalans announced on Thursday. “Both parties deeply regret that it was ultimately impossible to fulfill the wishes of the player and the club,” the statement said. The club cited economic and structural obstacles that would have prevented a contract extension. According to Spanish newspaper reports, Messi was even willing to give up half of his salary in order to help the economically badly hit club. Later, however, it was said that the talks had stalled and could even fail. Messi has been playing for the Barcelona first team since October 2004. With the Catalans, he won four Champions League titles and ten Spanish championships. He also led Barca to three Club World Cup triumphs and seven Cup wins. Since July 1, he has been without a contract and is now looking for a new club.
