Messi to leave Barcelona after 20 years, sparking scramble for signature

'Bombshell': Barcelona supporters gather in front of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona

Lionel Messi will end his 20-year career with Barcelona after the Argentine superstar and the Spanish giants were unable to overcome "economic and structural obstacles" to a new deal.

"Although an agreement has been reached between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi it cannot be formalised due to economic and structural obstacles," the statement said.