Argentina football star Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona after 21 years following a breakdown in contract negotiations.

According to a statement issued by the club, the new deal fell apart on Thursday. As a result, Messi will now not sign a new contract and will leave the club.

The Argentine star�s latest deal expired this summer but he was expected to commit to a new contract ahead of the new season.

Messi held talks with the club on Thursday and although both parties hoped to reach an agreement that would see Messi remain at Camp Nou, Goal news reported the understanding is that there were discrepancies which led to the deal collapsing .