Lionel Messi: I’m not ready for this

Messi never imagined leaving Barca; has still not come to terms with reality

Lionel Messi fought back tears during a press conference on Sunday at which he confirmed he is leaving Barcelona, where he has played his entire career.
The Argentinian superstar, 34, six times a Ballon d’Or winner, has been out of contract since the end of June and Barca say they cannot afford to keep him, with Messi admitting that a move to Paris Saint-Germain is a “possibility.”

‘I love this club’

“This year, my family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, at home—this is what we wanted more than anything,” said a suited Messi as he struggled to contain his emotions. “I have still not come to terms with the reality of leaving this club now, changing my life. I love this club.” 

Teary-eyed goodbye

“After 21 years I am leaving with my three Catalan Argentine children,” said Messi, who won 10 league titles with the club. I never imagined having to say goodbye. This is really difficult for me after so many years spent here—my entire life. I’m not ready for this,” he said. “We have had some good times, some bad times too—but people always showed me the same love,” said Messi, who said leaving was “sad and hard.” 

Last year he sought to engineer a release from his contract in frustration at some poor showings in Europe by the club where he has won four Champions Leagues but ended up staying. Last year, he explained, “I was convinced I knew what I wanted say, but this year is not the same,” stressing his preference was to prolong his stay rather than contemplate what now seems a likely reunion with former clubmate Neymar at PSG—ostensibly the only club that can afford him with Manchester City having distanced themselves. He hotly denied asking for more money but had, on the contrary, accepted a 50 per cent salary cut. “I would’ve liked to have won another Champions League,” he added while stressing that. 

As thousands of Barca fans milled outside in disbelief at his exit, Messi told reporters one day he hoped to be back in some capacity.

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