International football start Lionel Messi will not longer be a part of the famed FC Barcelona team after a contract renewal blocked by a variety of “obstacles,” it was confirmed by the club on Thursday.

A release issued by FC Barcelona indicates that Messi’s highly-anticipated contract renewal was effectively a no-go due to “financial and structural obstacles” that emerged over the last several day during high-level contract discussions.

“Despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of financial and structural obstacles (Spanish Liga regulations),” reads the release. “As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.”

“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life,” it concluded.

Messi has not yet released a statement on the development.

The famous Argentine player began his career with the FC Barcelona camp starting in late 2000, when the club approached him for the up-and-coming youth league.