In perhaps the news of the summer, Lionel Messi will officially no longer be a Barcelona player. Despite his contract coming to an end, it was thought that the Argentine would put pen to paper on a new deal. However, it has since emerged, as confirmed by Barcelona, that Messi has failed to agree a new contract and has left the club.
The news has blown the summer window wide open. Forget the rest of the candidates for singing of the summer because, wherever Lionel Messi ends up, he’ll be taking that prize. Meanwhile, Barcelona are left without their superstar; without the man who carries the responsibility; without their glimmer of hope.
Lionel Messi Fails to Agree New Contract With Barcelona
Impact on La Liga
The news doesn’t just impact Barcelona, but the entirety of Spain as well. Messi is the main attraction. Take that away, and what or who else is there for neutrals. The league’s viewing figures and, therefore, revenue from that, will plummet in a way never seen before.
When you look for a star even close to Messi’s calibre, the only players that pop up are Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Luis Suarez. And, although they are all top players, none of them come close to Messi, that’s just a fact.
It will be very interesting to see where the Argentine ends up. Manchester City look likely to splash the cash on English talent this summer, but PSG could still have plenty left in the bank. Whoever he does join, they’ll be favourites for just about every honour they can win.
Barcelona, however, may be left without the La Liga title once more. They have recruited well this summer, but their failure to comply with the La Liga wage cap has seen them shoot themselves in the foot.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
