Lionel Messi's camp are insisting Barcelona chose not to extend his contract.

Sport says Messi did not expect negotiations to sign a new contract with Barcelona to have an unhappy ending.

The forward is devastated at Barça's announcement on Thursday that he will leave the club after 21 years at Camp Nou.

Barça said they had an agreeement with Messi over a new deal but that La Liga's financial rules made it impossible to register him for the new season.

On Thursday he received the confirmation that it would not be possible and that was reflected in his mood.

Sources insist the Argentina international was deeply distressed to find out Barça would be making the announcement.