Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
Tearful farewell ceremony: agreeing to a half-dozen pay cuts, suspecting Laporta's full strength is not yet exhausted
At 18:00 GMT on August 8, 34-year-old soccer superstar
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
A special farewell conference was held at the Camp Nou 1899 auditorium. After Barcelona officially announced their partnership with
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
After the news of the failed contract extension, Barcelona president Laporta had confessed in a conference that the extension was no longer on the table, and this time
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
In person, he spoke openly about his journey back.
In the opening.
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
Emotional, choking and sobbing for long periods of time. He said, "For the past few days, I've been thinking about what to say, but words seem to have lost their power. I thought I would be able to stay here, but I was shocked to hear the news that my contract could not be renewed. Today, I have to say goodbye to everyone. I have spent my entire career here, 21 years since I was 13 years old. Now I must leave with my wife and three sons of mixed Argentine-Catalan descent. ...... I am immensely proud of everything I have done and experienced in this city."
Talking about the failed contract renewal process with Barcelona.
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
Revealed, "The contract has expired, we didn't renew it, that's the transformation that we've experienced in the last few days, that's the reality. Nothing can be undone, it's all over and I have to leave. The president said that the club is in heavy debt and can't add to it, and that renewing the contract is almost impossible. I had agreed to a 50% pay cut, but no one asked about it again. In fact, the contract renewal was completed, but at the last minute that hurdle of the Liga MX failed to pass. Laporta told me everything was settled, but the final moment was reversed. I did everything I could to want to stay, but I'm not sure Laporta did everything he could on the renewal."
Talking about FC Barcelona and the teammates who have been there along the way.
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
said, "I thank everyone here, all my teammates and ex-teammates, all the people who have supported me, for the support of so many of you. I've made so many memories at this club, so many good things, and of course there were painful moments, but all of them have allowed me to grow and become the person I am now. From start to finish, the only thing I have is gratitude, but I have to go. Thank you to everyone who cared.
I haven't said goodbye yet because I never thought I'd leave one day in this way.
If I have to leave, I would like to say goodbye in a more appropriate way with a packed Camp Nou and a cloud of friends.
I hope to return here one day in the future and continue to contribute as a member of the club. And I also expect Barcelona to continue to be the best club in the world."
about their next stop.
Lionel Messi (1987-), Argentine footballer
said, "I received many calls after being unable to renew my contract with Barcelona, but nothing is certain yet.
There's no denying that Paris Saint-Germain is a possible option, but the jury is still out.
All I can say for sure now is that I won't continue to play in La Liga."
