LIONEL MESSI has LEFT Barcelona after failing to agree a new contract with the La Liga giants.

The club confirmed in a statement that ‘economic and structural obstacles’ had prevented a deal being ratified by LaLiga.

Messi remains a free agent and leaves Barcelona having scored 672 times in 778 games, with his debut back in 2003.

Meanwhile Jack Grealish has officially sealed his British-record £100m transfer to Manchester City.

The England star signs a six-year deal at the Etihad, taking the No10 shirt vacated by Sergio Aguero.

Meanwhile the future of Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku is also to be decided, with the Inter star potentially set to move to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

MESSI DRAMA

Despite Lionel Messi being in contact with PSG over a move, the 34-year-olds preferred choice would be

MANCHESTER CITY.

That’s according to the Mail Online via Spanish outlet Marca.

PSG’s extortionate wage bill is said to be a stumbling block, as well as tax issues in France.

A £25million-a-year salary for Messi would actually see PSG spending £59million over the course of the year in wages and taxes.

It means despite PSG’s riches, a move may be financially impossible, with Messi said to rather a move to Manchester.