It was an emotional moment as superstar Lionel Messi bid Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona goodbye on Sunday.
The 34-year-old Argentine left Barca after negotiations regarding the extension of his contract with the club collapsed last week.
“This is the most difficult moment of my career, no doubt. I have had many difficult, hard moments, many defeats. I have been here so many years, my entire life since I was 13. After 21 years, I’m leaving with my wife, my three little Catalan-Argentine kids,” Messi said.
“I was convinced to stay here at Barcelona. I wanted to stay at Barca and it was the plan. Today I have to to say goodbye after my entire life here.”
Initially, Messi agreed in principle to sign a five-year deal. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner, who led his native Argentina to Copa America glory recently, won 10 league titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups with the Catalans.
The Argentine scored 672 goals in 778 appearances he made for Barcelona.
