England and Leicester City legend Gary Lineker has lead tributes dedicated to Lionel Messi and his spectacular 21-year career at Barcelona after his departure from the club was officially announced on Thursday.
It was officially announced on Thursday that the Argentinian forward would be leaving the Nou Camp after issues relating to his contract renewal – largely due to the ongoing financial issues faced by Barcelona.
In a press conference hosted by the club on Sunday morning, there was barely a dry eye in the room as Messi received a standing ovation and raucous applause.
Now fellow striker Lineker, who scored 42 goals in 103 appearances for Barcelona, has taken to Twitter to show his support and pay tributes to the 34-year-old for an outstanding career at the Nou Camp and wish him the best in his next endeavour.
Lineker said: “So sad watching a clearly very emotional Lionel Messi having to say goodbye to @FCBarcelona.
“No player in the history of the sport has given so much joy, so many unforgettable moments, so much success to one club.”
Other high-profile celebrities also weighed in with sentiments celebrating the sporting achievements of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, who scored an incredible 520 first-team goals in 474 appearances.
Piers Morgan also aired his thoughts on the press conference on Twitter and said: “Wow. Poor guy looks broken as journalists give him a prolonged standing ovation. So hard to imagine #messi playing for another team. His heart is #Barca.”
Former Barcelona and Liverpool star Luis Garcia also wrote on Twitter: “Thanks Leo !! Can't say much more. All the best to you and your family in the next chapter of your career.”
Barcelona women’s player Andrea Falcón also declared how proud she was to have worn the same colours as the Argentinian legend.
Posting a picture of herself alongside Messi wearing their Barcelona colours, Falcón said: “You are a legend for this club and it is a pride to have defended the same colours as you. You have made us enjoy and you are and will always be a reference! Thanks, Leo.”
Following the shock departure, free agent Messi is now on the hunt for a new club and has been rumoured to be tantalisingly close to a signing with Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal worth approximately £70million
Messi addressed the widespread gossip of his next transfer at the conference but remained tight lipped over whether the PSG move would be confirmed.
He said: That’s honestly one possibility, to reach those heights, but I’ve got nothing confirmed with anybody.
“When the press release was published, I had a lot of calls and a lot of clubs were interested. At the moment, I’ve not got anything closed, but we are talking about a lot of things."
