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Lionel Messi to Exit Barcelona Club After 17 Years

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Lionel Messi

Barcelona announced on Thursday that Lionel Messi is leaving the club after “financial and structural obstacles” made it impossible to renew his contract. The footballer, who has spent his whole career with the club, had been expected to re-sign after his deal expired in June.

A statement from the club said; “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),”

“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.”

Last month Messi agreed in principle to a five-year deal on reduced wages rather than a two-year extension initially discussed. It had been hoped the agreement would keep Barcelona within the boundaries of La Liga’s financial fair play regulations but that has proved impossible.

Barcelona needed to move players out to renew Messi’s deal and they have not been able to find the solution. The club, whose total debt is about €1,173m, is constrained by the league’s salary cap. Messi has agreed to a 50 percent pay cut, dropping from about €45m basic, after-tax, to closer to €20m.

The question is where Messi, who was 34 in June, will play next season. He tried to leave Barcelona in August 2020 after a breakdown in his relationship with then president Josep Maria Bartomeu but was forced to stay. Now, when he was keen to continue for longer, it appears he is being made to go.

Messi has made 778 appearances for Barcelona, scoring a remarkable 672 goals which have helped to claim 10 league titles, four Champions Leagues and three Club World Cups among his haul of 35 trophies

This latest development comes just eight days before the La Liga 2021/22 season kicks off.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta held a press conference after the club released a statement saying that could not sign Messi to a new contract due to La Liga rules over the size of the salary.

“We are over the salary limit that we are allowed. It is as simple as that,” Laporta confirmed.

The president said that Messi was told two days ago that the club could not continue with his new contract, which they planned to be for two years and they asked to spread the cost of that contract over five years.

Barcelona’s president said “I like to dream, but we have to live in the reality” when asked if Messi could play for Barcelona again if Financial Fair Play rules are relaxed by La Liga.

Laporta insisted that Messi and the club reached an agreement on a new contract but Spanish league rules won’t allow him to sign due to the financial situation the new club president inherited from former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the mess they were left in.

“We have 122 years of history. We’ve been through everything and we’ve always come through. We want the post-Messi era to be very successful and I am convinced it will be,” Laporta said.

Laporta added that La Liga could be more flexible to make Messi’s new deal happen, as he repeatedly slammed their planned deal to sell 10 percent of the league to CVC Capital Partners from the USA.

“In the Spanish La Liga we have to abide by the rules. We think they can be more flexible. That is not an excuse, we knew the rules. We can’t abide by it. Leo deserves everything. He loves Barca. I’m sad but I’m convinced we’ve done best for FC Barcelona,” Laporta insisted.

“I can’t make a decision that will impact the club for the next 50 years,” Laporta added about the La Liga deal over the TV rights. “The club is over 100 years old and it is above everyone and everything. Even above the best player in the world. We will always thank him for everything he has done for us.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo New YouTube Channel, Gains Over 14M Subscribers in 24 Hours

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Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-renowned Portuguese soccer star, launched his official YouTube channel on Wednesday, amassing 14.9 million subscribers within just 24 hours.

The channel, titled “UR,” broke several records shortly after its launch on Wednesday, solidifying Ronaldo’s digital dominance.

Announcing the channel on his social media accounts, Ronaldo excitedly shared: “The wait is over. My @YouTube channel is finally here! SIUUUbscribe and join me on this new journey.”

The announcement quickly garnered millions of reactions across platforms, and fans worldwide flocked to YouTube to connect with Ronaldo in this new format.

The channel’s unprecedented growth broke multiple milestones on its first day. After going live at 2 PM BST, Ronaldo’s channel became the fastest to reach 100,000 subscribers, achieving the feat in just 55 minutes.

The momentum didn’t stop there—Ronaldo surpassed one million subscribers within 90 minutes, breaking the previous record set by the popular “Sidemen Reacts” channel.

By 6 PM BST, the channel had doubled the number of subscribers held by Lionel Messi’s YouTube channel, which stood at 2.16 million.

The channel, which has only posted 19 videos as of now, already boasts over 40.6 million views.

Ronaldo’s immense popularity on social media—where he remains the most followed person with around a billion followers across all platforms—played a key role in the rapid success of his YouTube venture.

The “UR” channel offers fans an intimate glimpse into Ronaldo’s life outside of football. From his love for the game to personal moments with his family, insights into his wellness routine, and an inside look at his growing business empire, the channel promises to offer a multifaceted view of the legendary athlete.

Beyond Ronaldo’s own story, “UR” will also feature exclusive interviews with notable athletes, providing viewers with an in-depth look into the lives of other sports icons.

Ronaldo expressed his excitement about the channel’s launch, stating, “I have always enjoyed having such a strong relationship with fans on social media, and my YouTube channel will give me an even bigger platform to do so. They will learn more about me, my family, and my views on many different subjects.”

With the channel’s exponential growth, Ronaldo’s leap into YouTube signifies his commitment to engaging with fans in deeper, more personal ways.

The overwhelming response shows that millions are eager to join him on this new journey, solidifying his standing not just as a sports icon but as a global media powerhouse.

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Tobi Amusan Falls Short of 100m Hurdles Final at Paris Olympics

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Tobi Amusan

In a surprising turn of events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, was unable to advance to the final of her event.

Amusan, who had previously dazzled spectators with her performance at the Olympics, finished third in her heat with a time of 12.55 seconds.

Despite a strong showing in the semifinals on Wednesday, where she clocked an impressive 12.49 seconds to win her heat, she was unable to replicate that form in Thursday’s competition.

Having missed out on the two automatic qualification spots from her heat, Amusan was pinning her hopes on securing one of the remaining places as a fastest loser.

However, her time was not sufficient to make it to the final eight, leaving her Olympic journey in the 100m hurdles at an unexpected and disappointing end.

Amusan’s failure to qualify for the final is a significant blow not just for her, but also for Team Nigeria, which had high hopes for her in the track and field events.

The hurdles event, a showcase of speed and agility, had been one of the key areas of focus for the Nigerian team, and Amusan’s performance was seen as crucial in their overall medal prospects.

In a statement following her exit, Amusan expressed her disappointment but also her determination to continue improving.

“It’s not the result I was hoping for,” she said. “I gave it my all, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. I will take this as a learning experience and work even harder to come back stronger.”

The result also underscores the unpredictable nature of track and field, where even the best athletes can face challenges in high-stakes situations.

While Amusan’s Olympic journey in the 100m hurdles may have ended sooner than anticipated, her achievements leading up to this point remain a testament to her skill and dedication.

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Spain Triumphs in Euro 2024 Final, Defeats England with Last-Minute Winner

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Spain clinched their fourth European Championship title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over England, thanks to a last-minute goal from Mikel Oyarzabal.

The dramatic finale at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday saw Spain’s dominance throughout the tournament crowned with a well-deserved win, while England suffered their second consecutive final defeat.

The match began cautiously, with Spain controlling 65% of possession in the first half but failing to capitalize on their dominance.

England’s Phil Foden had the only shot on target, reflecting a tense and tightly contested opening period.

The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half when teenager Lamine Yamal, who had been effectively contained in the first half, found space down the right wing.

His precise cross met Nico Williams, who slotted the ball past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, giving Spain a 1-0 lead.

Spain enjoyed a period of sustained pressure following the goal, with Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata, and Williams all coming close to extending their lead.

England’s previously solid defense appeared to be losing its shape under the relentless Spanish attacks.

In response, England manager Gareth Southgate made strategic substitutions, bringing on Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer.

The changes paid off when Jude Bellingham set up Palmer, who curled a low shot from 20 meters out into the net in the 73rd minute, leveling the score and igniting hope among the English fans.

The match seemed destined for extra time until a lapse in England’s defense allowed Spain to strike again. Marc Cucurella, left unmarked on the left flank, delivered a cross into the box.

Oyarzabal, who had come on as a substitute, stretched to poke the ball home, securing Spain’s victory four minutes from the end.

The final moments of the game saw frantic action, with Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon making a crucial save from a Declan Rice header, and Dani Olmo clearing a follow-up effort off the line. Despite England’s late surge, Spain held firm to secure the 2-1 win.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente expressed his pride in his team after the match. “I couldn’t be happier. This confirms what we are. For me, they are the best in the world,” he said.

England, who had fought back from a goal down for the fourth consecutive match in the tournament, were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses.

Southgate, who has led England to two Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final during his tenure, acknowledged the team’s effort but conceded Spain’s superiority.

“The players have got to take enormous credit for getting us to the point they did. They fought and represented the shirt with pride. But I think Spain were the best team in the tournament and they deserved to win,” Southgate said.

Spain’s victory adds a fourth European Championship title to their collection, following wins in 1964, 2008, and 2012.

As only the third team in the last nine Euros to win the trophy without a penalty shootout, Spain’s triumph cements their place as one of the dominant forces in European football.

Meanwhile, England’s wait for a major tournament victory continues, extending their “30 years of hurt” since their 1966 World Cup win to at least double that number.

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