Barcelona are doing their best to make their own players and fans look like idiots

Sergio Aguero left Manchester City and joined Barca because he wanted to play with Messi. The joke is on him – and he isn’t laughing. It’s understandable that he’s feeling betrayed by the Catalan club. Even though he’d put pen to paper, he’s already trying to get out of his contract. And Joan Laporta, the club president who promised to keep Messi if he got elected – says he cannot afford the Argentine.

The former City made has now instructed his lawyers to analyse his contract in an effort to secure an early exit. According to Spanish media, "his future at Barca does not look good".

Winners and losers of Messi's departure: Aguero, Real, La Liga...

Upon signing the striker said that he was eager to play with his compatriot at the club level.

"Of course, I hope to play with Lionel. I know him so well, we’re good friends. What happens with Leo is a decision that he and the club will make. It is a pride to play with him. I’ve played with him in the national team."

Fast forward a few weeks and Sergio Aguero is left looking like a clown – and Messi is not his teammate.

President Joan Laporta, having signalled his intent to keep Messi, has now claimed that keeping the striker would've jeopardised the club for half a century. He based his entire election campaign on the promise that he’d be able to secure Messi’s contract extension. He’s playing a different tune now.

"I can't make a decision that will affect the club for 50 years. The club is over 100 years old and it's above everyone and everything, even above the best player of the world. We will always thank him for everything he's done for us. In order to have fair play, we need to do this or make an effort which would put the club at risk. We couldn't keep going with this and we needed to make a decision, which we have."

PSG owner's brother confirms: Messi will sign

Lionel Messi will address the public in Barcelona at 13.00 (EAT) for the first time since the club announced his imminent departure. It promises to be an emotional day.