Lionel Messi gave a tearful farewell to Barcelona on Sunday afternoon, holding a news conference amid the club's announcement that he would be leaving the club.
During his farewell news conference, Lionel Messi broke into tears after receiving a standing ovation from his family.
Due to budgetary limitations, Barcelona announced earlier this week that the player's agreement would not be renewed, indicating he would leave the Catalan giants after 21 years.
He gave his final news briefing at the Nou Camp on Sunday to bid farewell to the club, his old colleagues, and the supporters.
An emotional experience Messi burst into tears as soon as he stepped onto the platform, then delivered an emotional statement that drew a long applause from those in the studio, as well as his teammates and coaches.
Lionel Messi receives a standing ovation from his team-mates and family as he bids farewell to Barcelona.
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 8, 2021
Hopefully the Blaugranas fans will be able to wish him a real goodbye soon. pic.twitter.com/njuVYCE6kI
Barcelona's cameraman covering Messi's farewell#Messi pic.twitter.com/d1VTQd5r2m
— CornerKicks-Football (@FridayJaime) August 8, 2021
Pic of the year.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2021
End of an era.
Historical day.
Lionel Andrés Messi pic.twitter.com/5zwQAKnwOH
He addressed the circumstances surrounding his exit from La Liga after 21 years of service.
His wife, children, and former colleagues, including Gerard Pique, as well as luminaries from the past, gave him a heartfelt send-off.
Last summer, Messi stated that he intended to leave the club, which he reiterated on Sunday, but that things had changed this year, and that he preferred to remain.
"My new deal was done," the 34-year-old revealed when asked how things went. Everything has been completed. I opted to stay, and everything was done when I returned from vacation...how that's Laporta explained it.
Messi arrives on stage in tears 💔 pic.twitter.com/Rvvw6KQWLg
— TM (@TotalLeoMessi) August 8, 2021
💔 pic.twitter.com/bvQ9e2sGNV
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) August 8, 2021
Followers have not been likely to see Messi at the Nou Camp till March 2020, and the ten-time La Liga winner expressed regret for not being willing to say farewell to them.
It would be ideal for me to say farewell to a full Camp Nou, and I'm grateful to everyone who cares about me. These supporters have been sorely missed over the past year. It comes to mind those who have cheered my name.
Featured Image Credit: PA