News of Messi's Barcelona exit sends shockwaves through football world
Lionel Messi and Barcelona are going their separate ways.
It's a moment that few football fans thought they'd ever witness before Thursday's stunning announcement, as Barcelona revealed that the six-time Ballon d'Or winner won't return due to financial 'obstacles.'
It didn't take long for the shockwaves to be felt throughout the football world:
After 17 years at the club, Lionel Messi's time at FC Barcelona is 𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙍! 😳 pic.twitter.com/2rtSzVrNVd
— 90min (@90min_Football) August 5, 2021
17 years ago, Lionel 𝐌essi made his LaLiga debut. Since data was collected in 2006-07:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 5, 2021
𝐌ost goals
𝐌ost assists
𝐌ost chances created
𝐌ost shots on target
𝐌ost take-ons completed
𝐌ost goals from outside the box
𝐌ost goals from direct free-kicks
A new chapter now awaits. pic.twitter.com/XaTt60J9a1
Now feels an appropriate time to remind everyone that Lionel Messi is the undisputed greatest footballer of all time. Debate with your nan. pic.twitter.com/yBNT3UuErA
— James. (@afcjxmes) August 5, 2021
Lionel Messi & Barcelona...
— Goal India (@Goal_India) August 5, 2021
It was a fine journey. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/Dl0bKXFxCk
Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 5, 2021
Thank you for the memories. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/PA3JMaShGV
It's bound to be a lot for Barcelona fans to process after Messi played a major role in spoiling them with silverware for almost two decades.
Barcelona fans reading all the Messi news: pic.twitter.com/A8WzDntgdI
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 5, 2021
Lionel Messi saw Aguero, Memphis, Eric Garcia and told them pic.twitter.com/NQrJCn3cOM
— Ole Gunnar Scamskjær (@Nigerianscamsss) August 5, 2021
August 3, 2017: Barcelona receive a world-record transfer fee of €222 million for the sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) August 5, 2021
August 5, 2021: Barcelona announce that Lionel Messi will not continue at the club due to economic problems. pic.twitter.com/ppHdjgnDCt
Sergio Aguero joining Barcelona to play with Lionel Messi and then Lionel Messi leaves pic.twitter.com/1DMNsP3IoO
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) August 5, 2021
Lionel Messi doesn’t jump ship just like that and begin to explore his options. Real options with huge, ambitious projects have probably been at his feet this past year. If he won’t renew with Barça, his plan B is sure to be in motion already.
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) August 5, 2021
So, where could Messi be off to next?
Where to next for Lionel Messi? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6c2iZ9xE5V
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 5, 2021
Pep Guardiola to Harry Kane when he signs Messi insteadpic.twitter.com/Uja904lAqq
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) August 5, 2021
Pep Guardiola running to Sheikh Mansour asking him to cancel the Jack Grealish deal and bring in Lionel Messi instead pic.twitter.com/926zAl9PJZ
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) August 5, 2021
Manchester City with Jack Grealish's contract when hearing the rumors of Lionel Messi not renewing with Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/UUxU9xvW2u
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) August 5, 2021
Man City representatives returning Jack Grealish to Aston Villa after hearing Messi has rejected a new contract at Barcelonapic.twitter.com/YyxCcPWnrZ
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) August 5, 2021
Maybe there's one last surprise up Messi's sleeve.
Free agent Lionel Messi is planning to sign a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell me pic.twitter.com/bpNNr2rRcU
— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) August 5, 2021
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