Messi had agreed to take a 50 per cent wage cut, and studies suggested his commercial value to the club far exceeded the astronomical cost of his salary. However, those debts and the need to comply with a strict Spanish league salary cap have forced him out.

Although Messi was a free agent and, therefore, comes with no transfer fee, there would still be costs associated with his move. Barca could not have accommodated these. Their financial position is such that LaLiga wants them to cut the costs of their squad. This means raising money by selling players and reducing wages.

Messi's new deal is truly unique to the situation, as Barcelona needed to reach an agreement within La Liga's financial fair play regulations. Messi officially became a free agent as of July 1, but there was no real concern the six-time Ballon d'Or winner would end his two decade stint at Barcelona.