"Messi will not be staying."Barcelona released the statement just before 8 p.m. Spanish on Thursday. It was unambiguous and stunned football world.The 34-year old Argentine, who has been a free agent since July 1, was set to sign a new contract to extend his 21-year tenure at the Nou Camp.Barca claimed that the contract would be signed on Thursday but was obstructed by the "financial, structural and legal obstacles" in Spain.What now for the six-time Ballon d'Or Winner? Are we really seeing the end of Messi at Barca? Or is there a final twist?What caused a new deal to collapse?Guillem Balague, a Spanish football writer, revealed earlier this month that Messi had reached a deal with Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague. This agreement included a reduction of Messi's wages to half his former salary.Barca had to sell players in order to finance the deal. This meant that their wage bill was reduced by 200m euros (172m), to meet La Liga's Financial Fair Play requirements. They have yet to do this. Among others, Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann are still on their books.Balague spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily. He said that Barca needed to find a creative method to pay Messi his wages, bonuses, and signing fee. I repeatedly asked them how they would do it when you can't sign on new players who signed on a free basis. Balague said that they would trust them and that Messi's wages, bonuses, and signing on fee were paid to Barca."The message from Messi’s side was "hang on, just watch". Laporta [Barca president] was optimistic while Messi's side was less optimistic. It was impossible at no time."Now, it is clear that there is no economic way for this to occur. However, I do not believe that this is the end.Ernest Macia, Radio Catalunya's Radio Catalunya's Financial Analyst, says that the club's financial position is "exceptionally difficult".BBC World Service told him that many people still try to imagine what life will look like after Messi, since nobody could have imagined it three days ago."In fact, there were voices within the club, including President Joan Laporta, that said Messi would remain. A contract was already in place to sign, and a contract had been written."It seems that Messi and Barcelona agree on their statement - they are on one side." It seems that the financial situation of the club and regulations of La Liga... were not in line with the FFP regulations.This is a power play?Andy West, a Spanish football writerDo not write obituaries. Instead, plan a grand farewell. As dramatic as it may seem, Barca's announcement doesn't necessarily mean Messi will be leaving. It's not yet.It is not a final and definitive statement, but it is a risky tactical move in the club’s powerplay against La Liga, whose salary caps regulations prevent Messi and Barca signing the new contract they claim to have agreed to.Barca's financial crisis and the ongoing desire to create a European Super League are the backdrop. Joan Laporta, Real Madrid counterpart Florentino perez, have continued to pursue this goal.La Liga just announced a new major deal with CVC, an investment fund. This would give Barca approximately 200m, enough to resign Messi. The club must sign a long-term commitment with La Liga to receive this money, and it would also have to abandon the idea of a Super League.Real Madrid, just minutes after Barca released its statement, said that the CVC deal was made "without the involvement of or knowledge" from the club, and they could not support the venture.Laporta says to Javier Tebas, president of La Liga: "Well, let’s see what your new partner in investment funds makes of a league that doesn’t have Messi." It's your move.Who knows what that move will be? This multi-billion-dollar game isn't over. Laporta called it 'check'. It's not always 'checkmate'.What could Messi do?Messi had stated that he wanted to use a clause in his contract for a free transfer. But Barca claimed that a 700m euro (624m) fee was required.These restrictions are now gone.Since his youth, he has been in close contact with Pep Guardiola, former Barca boss.Balague doesn't believe the Premier League champions have the financial ability to sign Messi, despite City signing Jack Grealish for a British-record 100m.BBC Radio 5 Live said that it was not like getting someone to earn 50 million euros. It doesn't matter what it is, you must double it. You will also need to pay a signing fee. This could be between 50-60m and 70m. It is almost like a signing from another club."So, from that perspective I don't believe City have the finances now. We all suspect it must be Paris St-Germain next."Julien Laurens, a French football expert, said: "I think Barca are still lying. PSG's point of view is that Messi is available if they are interested. They have stated this over the past year."The outcome may not be that he stays, but they will reiterate to Messi family that they wish for something if he wanted PSG."Click here to vote if you're viewing this page via the BBC News app.
