Messi Breaks Down In Tears As He Confirms Exit From Barcelona (Video)

Argentina’s striker, Lionel Messi, was in uncontrollable tears as he bade farewell to FC Barcelona officially.

Speaking to a news conference, he said: “I’m so grateful for the love people have shown me these years.”

The striker, who broke down as he received a standing ovation, said he tried to “behave with humility and respect, and I hope that’s the memory that will be left of me”.

Messi, 34, has spent his entire career at Barcelona, coming through the club’s academy before going on to score 672 goals in 778 appearances after making his senior debut in 2003.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has officially been a free agent since 1 July after he failed to agree terms over a renewal before his previous Barcelona contract expired on 30 June.

Messi in tears

The club announced Messi was set to leave as a new contract couldn’t happen in line with financial fair play rules set by the Spanish league La Liga.

Messi has been linked to a move to PSG, but he said he had not made up his mind about his future.

Although he said PSG is “one possibility” for the future, he added he has nothing confirmed with anyone.

He said: “There are a lot of clubs interested.”

The footballer admitted he was convinced he was going to stay at Barcelona, adding it will be “weird” for him to leave but people will get used to it.

Messi also called his departure “the most difficult” moment of his career.

He said: “I’ve been here my entire life, I’m not ready for this. And last year with all the nonsense, I was convinced of what I wanted to say, but this year it is not the same.

Watch video below:

When Messi cries, we all cry.
Big hug. ❤️ u Leo. pic.twitter.com/wAHhzWrkP3

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2021

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