Football legend Lionel Messi has expressed regret over the manner in which he departed FC Barcelona in August 2021.
After spending nearly two decades with the Catalan giants, Messi described his exit as an emotionally difficult experience, saying it left him with a “strange feeling” because he did not get to leave on his own terms.
In an interview with SPORT, the 2022 World Cup winner said, “I didn’t leave Barça as I had imagined. I was left with a strange feeling after my departure… I finished my final years without the fans. The farewell moment was also a bit strange because of the circumstances and everything surrounding it.”
Messi’s sudden move to Paris Saint-Germain shocked football fans around the world after Barcelona failed to renew his contract due to severe financial constraints. The Argentine star left as a free agent and joined PSG, who were willing to meet his wage demands.
He spent two seasons at the Parc des Princes before leaving Paris in 2023. Messi now plays for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
His final game for Barcelona came in May 2021, a 2–1 defeat to Celta Vigo at an empty Camp Nou due to COVID-19 restrictions — a quiet end to a glorious era.
