Lionel Messi is Barcelona's record scorer with 672 goals and has won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Copa del Reys. /CFP
Since Barcelona shocked the whole sporting world by announcing that their most decorated superstar Lionel Messi has left the club due to "financial and structural obstacles," the six-time Ballon d'Or winner himself has been noticeably silent.
The 34-year-old striker, who has spent his entire career at Barcelona, scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances, had been expected to sign a new five-year contract with the Spanish giants after his deal expired in June. And he arrived in Barcelona earlier this week still believing he would remain in the Catalan club.
However, in an unexpected late twist, Barca now say their financial troubles and La Liga's wage caps prevented them from signing a new contract with Messi, who turned down approaches from PSG and Manchester City just months ago.
Is it really the end for Messi at Barca? Barca president Joan Laporta said in a press briefing on Friday that Messi wanted to stay, but the player "is facing the reality of what's happened. A reality that can't be changed."
Now, Messi will have the chance to tell his side of the story. According to a statement released by Barcelona, Messi is set to give a news conference at the Camp Nou on Sunday at noon local time (1000 GMT).
Barca president Joan Laporta has said keeping Lionel Messi could have put the club at risk. /CFP
Emotional farewells
While Messi waited to speak on his future, his former coach and teammates took to social media to express their farewells to the legend, who led Barcelona to 35 titles, including four Champions League trophies.
Barca boss Ronald Koeman said, "It is still difficult to grasp that you will never play again for Barcelona."
Meanwhile, veteran defender Gerard Pique said, "Nothing will ever be the same, not Camp Nou, not the city of Barcelona, not even ourselves."
Midfielder Sergio Busquets said, "You arrived as a kid, and you're leaving as the best player in history, having made this club grow to such heights and making history both individually and as a team."
"It has been a privilege to share these nine years with you," said left back Jordi Alba, one of the oldest players in the current Barca squad. "How I enjoyed your passes to meet my run and my pass back to you that always worked. And how much I am going to miss you."
Lionel Messi is congratulated by Gerard Pique after scoring during Barcelona's league clash with Eibar at Estadio Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, February 22, 2020. /CFP
Is PSG Messi's next destination?
The question now is where Messi will play next season. According to multiple French media outlets, Lionel Messi has spoken directly with PSG head coach Mauricio Pochettino as he moves closer to joining the French powerhouse.
"There have been lots of rumors. Lots of things are being said," said Pochettino when asked about Messi on Saturday. "I just hope we will be strong enough to try to win every competition we are involved in."
Sky Sports revealed that PSG are expected to offer Messi a two-year deal next week, with the option of a further year. ESPN said Messi is open to joining PSG, but he and his representatives want to take time to assess their options.
PSG are one of the few clubs in the world that can finance a deal to sign Messi, while a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Man City is another possibility.