Lionel Messi could not stop crying as he came at the news conference to say his goodbyes to FC Barcelona, the club he has been with since he was 14 years old. He wiped his tears away with a tissue in his hands, but they would come back. He stated again that he did not want to go this year as he did last year, and that he and president Laporte tried everything necessary to keep him at Camp Nou, but it was simply not possible.
It was the most difficult time in Messi’s sporting career, he said. Messi has seen some sad losses in addition to the 35 titles he has won at Barcelona. The ‘little magician’ admitted that not being able to return to the training ground and pitch at Camp Nou was the most difficult part of his time with Argentina.
In his opening statement, Messi seemed at a loss for words. “I’m at a loss for words here. I’ve been thinking about what I could say in recent days, and the fact is that I haven’t come up with anything. This is quite difficult for me after so many years of living here. I’m not prepared for this, and I honestly don’t know what I’ll say this year. Last year, I knew what I wanted to say, but this year, I’m not sure. This year, my family and I were determined to stay at home. “Today I have to say goodbye to everything,” Messi said.
He referred to his children as “Catalan-Argentinian children” and claimed that all of his positive and bad experiences in Barcelona helped him grow into the “person I am today.”
“I’ve given all I’ve got to this club and this shirt since day one, but the truth is I’m leaving. I never anticipated having to say goodbye since it never occurred to me, and certainly not in this manner.”
Messi was particularly disappointed that he was unable to give the fans a meaningful farewell. He said that playing without the supporters was difficult, and that he is saddened by the fact that he will be away from Camp Nou for a year and a half.
Messi received a standing ovation from all of the dignitaries, players, and his family in the room at this time, and he couldn’t stop crying. He claimed that his thinking was clouded and that “totally changing my life” would be difficult, especially for his family. “They assumed they’d stay in this city, in this home, but we’ll be fine; we just have to accept it, accept it, and go on,” he said.
He struggled to pick just one moment from his long and magnificent Barcelona career, but he eventually settled on his debut. “When I made my debut, it was a dream comes true for me. Everything that followed was incredible, but I’ll never forget the moment when it all began.”
Messi said there was no more to the storey than he and Laporte tried everything to keep the Argentinian at Barcelona, but “it wasn’t possible owing to La Liga.” “.. Messi clarified that he did propose to cut his contract in half, but the club did not request anything else. He denied allegations that the club had requested him to reduce his salary by 30%.
“The president indicated that the club is in a significant debt and that they can’t pay it; they can’t keep drawing it because it will complicate things. I need to focus on my career and keep moving forward.”
Messi acknowledged that a move to PSG was a possibility, but added that he had been approached by a number of clubs since the Barcelona press release was issued, and that numerous negotiations were ongoing.
He claimed that the photo with PSG players was merely a coincidence and that nothing more was involved. “I met them one day and we became friends after that. We took a photo with Rakitic, and they joked about coming to Paris. It was merely a casual get-together with pals.”
“I’m heartbroken because I didn’t want to go because this is my favourite club. It’s an unexpected turn of events. I’ve never lied; I’ve always been truthful and forthright.
When questioned if the fans were given false optimism that he would stay, he disagreed. “We were confident that I would keep going. Everything was ready and in order, and we were always forthcoming with information. I never attempted to deceive anyone.”
Messi stated that he intends to remain competitive, and that despite his regret at leaving Barcelona, he will be able to continue playing football, which he enjoys the most. He might even run into someone he doesn’t know.
“People in Barca know who I am; I am a fantastic player who enjoys competing. I’m going to fight if I’m up against Barca. I’ll be vying for titles. I’d want to take this opportunity to congratulate Dani Alves on his Olympic gold medal. I want everyone to know who I am, and I am certain that I will join a squad that will compete with this club. I didn’t want to leave, but it was the only option.
Messi confessed that he would have preferred to win another Champions League trophy with Barcelona, but he had no regrets because he had accomplished his goals. “I’m going to attempt to be like Dani, who won all these titles while always pushing for the win; I’m going to strive to be like him.”
When asked how tough it will be to envision a Barcelona team without Leo Messi, the Argentine replied that fans will adjust. “Barcelona is one of the best teams in the world, with an incredible lineup. Players will come and go in the future, and this club will become more prominent. People will grow used to it; it will be strange at first, but they will get used to it just like anything else.”
