Picture Credit: Twitter
It's been quite a dramatic last one week for FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi. After a historic Copa Amera triumph with Argentina, the 34-year-old was in line to sign a new contract with the club post his holidays. However, things turned upside down in a matter of few days as the club informed that they will not be able to give him a new contract because of the strict rules and guidelines of Spanish Liga.
Despite both the parties unwilling to part ways, it was imminent that Messi will have to leave FC Barcelona, a club where he spent 17 glorious seasons. The footballer recently said goodbye to his teammates and fans in a heartwarming farewell speech on Sunday. It seems like both the parties have moved on quite quickly in just a matter of 48 hours. While Messi is set to travel to Paris to complete a sensational move, Barcelona have also removed his posters from the Camp Nou stadium.
Messi and Barca - It's all over
One of the most historic club-player relationship in history of football has finally come to a sad end. However, these things are part of professional football and both the club and player have come in terms to reality. With the new season set to get underway this week, Barcelona have taken the first step to close the old chapter, marking the start of a new era.
Lionel Messi's poster, which was placed outside their home stadium, has now been removed. It is not surprising since his departure has officially been confirmed. The same thing happened with neymar as well when he left the club in 2017.
However, it is not a sight that is easy for Barca fans to witness since they had always imagined the Argentine to play for the club till the end of his career. But as it stands, it's the end of Messi-Barca story for now and his posters have been removed from Camp Nou.
Barcelona have started their new era in style after they defeated Juventus 3-0 in pre-season game to lift the Joan Gamper Trophy. Memphis Depay, Martin Brathwaite and Riqui Puig were on the score-sheet, marking the beginning of post-Messi era. The club will now lock horns with Real Sociedad on Sunday for their first league game of 2021-22 season.