Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has explained who was to blame for Lionel Messi’s stunning departure in 2021, with a new contract for the Argentine GOAT considered to have been “possible”. Barca had hoped that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would agree to play for free at one stage, as they sought to get collective finances in order, but there was no deal to be done. Career-long ties with the Blaugrana were severed, with a once joyo... [2885 chars]
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