Lionel Messi has been the subject of thousands of heartfelt social media tributes from fans and former teammates alike after it was confirmed he will leave Barcelona after 21 years at the Spanish giants.
One ex-teammate of Messi's in Dani Alves has told the Argentine "you can surpass me whenever you want" after Messi has his sights set on surpassing Alves' staggering trophy haul.
The full-back, with 43, trophies in his collection, is the most decorated footballer in history, but Messi currently sits on 36 and could soon overtake Alves if Messi puts pen to paper on a deal with French outfit Paris Saint-Germain.
During his final press-conference as a Barca player, Messi took the time to congratulate Alves on his recent success while away on international duty with Brazil as the Seleção secured gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
"I congratulate Dani Alves, who won the Olympic [gold] medal and I warn him that I am going to fight to catch up with him and surpass him", Messi said. "That is my mentality."
Messi's departure from Barcelona has sparked a wave of emotion from some of the biggest names in the football world, Alves proving no different as he took to Instagram to heap Barca's record goal-scorer with praise.
Alves wrote: "The greatest of all time, you can surpass me whenever you want, it will be one more assist for you.
"After my girlfriend, [you are] my best partner. Thank you for everything you gave us, thank you for sharing so much and thank you for letting me be part of your story.
Will Messi surpass Dani Alves' trophy haul? Have your say here.
"What an honour to be able to closely accompany your evolution and thanks to Sylvinho for connecting us.
"Don Leo Messi, continue making history wherever you want to go. There will always be a crazy [guy] at your service for all moments, especially the less good ones!"
Messi could potentially win five trophies next season alone if Paris Saint-Germain were to win a domestic treble, alongside the Champions League and he guides Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
Remarkably, even if he were to pull off that stunning feat, he would still be two major honours short of Alves' entire total.
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