Tebas on 'Messi's exit: He did not leave for economic reasons'

"Just like when Ronaldo, Guardiola or Mourinho left. We knew that one day this would happen," La Liga president Javier Tebas told Diario Sport of Lionel Messi's departure.

"Perhaps Messi's departure has been a bit more painful, because personally I consider him the best in history, and he didn't deserve to leave like that, not only for Barça but for LaLiga as well.

"Yes, his exit could have been avoided.

"I discussed it with Laporta personally, by phone, and with his Board of Directors. 

"Solutions were sought, if the reason was economic. 

"And although I respect the decision of the club, you have to tell things as they are.

"It was not an economic decision. I know for sure."

Tebas is implying that something else, not financial reasons, had influenced Barcelona's decision not to extend Leo's contract.

Officially, Barcelona could not register Messi due to La Liga salary cap.

Curiously, in late August, the Catalans negotiated wage cuts with most high-earners and parted ways with Griezmann.

If done in time, this could have prevented Messi's departure. However, Leo had already been playing at PSG at that time.