Lionel Messi’s surprise decision to leave Barcelona has dealt a blow to the club’s restructuring project even before it began. What might have upset him the most was the decision to get rid of Luis Suárez, Messi’s longtime teammate and friend. Other players reportedly not wanted by Koeman include Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic and Samuel Umtiti. With its aging team, Barcelona endured one of its toughest seasons, the first without a title since 2007-08. A lengthy legal batter would further hurt Barcelona’s restructuring project, as would Messi’s departure without any financial compensation.

Source: Fox News August 27, 2020 12:33 UTC