One of the shocking news in football today as Lionel Messi has called off negotiations over renewing his contract with Barcelona, a decision he made for the very first time in his career.
According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, the 33-year-old is ready to leave the Catalans when his current deal expires next year.
The report said Messi and his father Jorge had begun discussing to renew a contract since 2017, but Messi reportedly refused to stay longer at the Camp Nou.
The report added that Messi is angry about leaked media reports that appeared to make him seem responsible for numerous issues at Barcelona, such as the sacking of Ernesto Valverde.
His shy personality has since vanished into thin air as Messi is now known for his criticism against Barcelona since at the end of last year.
In January he hit criticised sporting director Eric Abidal, who blamed players for Valverde sacking.
In February, Messi openly said his team were not good enough to win the Champions League this season.
Then in April he criticised the board for trying to make fans believe that players are not willing to accept a pay-cut to help the team’s financial difficulties during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Messi scored his 700th goal in his career against Atletico Madrid, but the milestone ended in disappointment as Barca drew the game 2-2.
The result allowed Real Madrid to extend four-point lead in La Liga as they beat Getafe 1-0 with five games remaining.
Barcelona may not only lose the title to Real this season, they might also lose their best player.