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.

The announcement on Thursday that a player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time is on the market will spark a scramble for his signature, with wealthy Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City potentially in the frame.

Messi has played 788 games for the club — a Barcelona record — and won 35 trophies in a glittering career in Spain.

Barcelona had been expected to announce that the 34-year-old six-time Ballon d’Or winner would stay, but in a statement the club said negotiations had broken down.

Messi himself has yet to comment, possibly suggesting that there might be another twist in the saga.

Last month the Argentine forward finally landed a major international trophy with his country when they beat rivals Brazil to win the Copa America.

But there had been doubts over his future at Barcelona ever since he tried to leave last August as a free agent, citing a clause in his contract.

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