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'Leo is Barca & Barca is Leo' - Essien hoping Messi makes U-turn about Camp Nou exit

The Argentina star is leaving the Spanish city after the Blaugrana failed to renew his contract at the club

Former Chelsea and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has reacted to the news of Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona.

The 34-year-old is set to bring an end to his 21-year stay in Catalonia after the club failed to hand him a new contract due to financial and structural obstructions.

“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 Spanish La Liga regulations on player registration,” the club announced on Thursday.