Lionel Messi's transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain shocked the sporting world on Tuesday, as the Argentine marked the end of a 21-year era with the Catalan club.
Financial difficulties with Barcelona meant that it would be "too risky" to re-sign Messi, who wanted to stay but couldn't take a significant wage cut under LaLiga rules.
Messi joins high-profile stars Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos in leaving Spain, with LaLiga becoming significantly weakened following the exit of some of their most famous assets.
The Argentine has already began training with his new teammates, and former rivals Messi and Ramos will join an already star-studded squad for the season ahead.
Following Messi's exit from Barcelona to the French capital, he was asked by El Pais if there is a gap in La Liga with respect to great footballers.
"In the end, the important thing in the leagues is the teams," Messi said in response.
"Barcelona and Real Madrid are still there and there are also Sevilla, Valencia and Atletico, which are the big clubs. The clubs were always there despite the fact that players have left."
Messi sought to reassure LaLiga fans that it would continue to attract star names.
"La Liga continues to be a big and important competition," he added.
"Other players have already left and the clubs followed. They continued to exist and perform."
However, the Argentine conceded it may take some time, as he revealed: "It will cost Real Madrid and Barcelona, but in a few years they will settle. The big stars are going to return to Spanish football."
Will La Liga still attract big stars now that Lionel Messi has left? Comment below.
Messi will now put his Barcelona career behind him as he focuses on a new adventure with PSG and the 34-year-old will make up a devastating front three alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
PSG's owners are desperate to achieve Champions League glory and the summer arrivals of Messi, Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi will certainly increase their chances for the coming season.
Messi will not be available to make his debut against Strasbourg this weekend after only just returning to training, following an extended summer break due to his Copa America success.
PSG will not only be targeting European glory with Messi added to their ranks, but they will be looking to take back the Ligue 1 title after Lille won their first French crown for 10 years, finishing a point ahead of the Paris giants.
It could become an era of dominance for PSG, who have cemented their status as one of the biggest clubs in the world following their capture of Messi, while stars continue to pile out of Spain.
Get your hands on your club's special edition 2021/22 annual. Find out more here .
