Lionel Messi was in tears as he ended his 21-year association with Barcelona – who cannot afford to give him the salary they offered him.

The football world was stunned when the LaLiga giants confirmed Messi’s exit on Thursday citing ‘financial and structural obstacles’, despite both parties reaching an agreement over a new deal earlier in the summer.

As Messi spoke at his press conference, the realisation that he would never play for the club again sunk in. Credit: Getty
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner came through the club’s youth ranks before going on to score 672 goals in 778 appearances.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted that Messi, 34, wanted to stay at the Camp Nou, which Messi backed up while talking to the press on Sunday morning.

“It’s everything that Laporta said,” he revealed. “We had everything agreed but, at the last minute, [Messi staying at Barcelona] couldn’t happen.

“I’ve heard lots of things being said about me, this year I wanted to stay and I couldn’t. Last year I didn’t want to stay, and I said it.

Messi confirmed he did not want to leave Barcelona this summer. Credit: AFP

“This year I wanted to stay. I did everything possible but the club couldn’t do it because of La Liga. We have to take it and move forward.”

Messi also addressed his future amid transfer links with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea – with the Argentine confirming the French giants are interested in signing him.

“That’s honestly one possibility [PSG], to reach those heights,” he explained. “At the minute, I’ve got nothing agreed with anybody.

“When the press release was released, I got a lot of calls from many clubs interested. At the minute I have not got anything closed, but we are talking about a lot of things.”

Fans outside the Camp Nou stadium gathered to display their affection for the club’s greatest ever player. Credit: AFP

For many supporters, they have never known a Barcelona team without Messi in it. Credit: AFP

News of his exit will take a long time to process. Credit: AFP

Messi arrived at Barca as a young boy and is leaving as a legend. Credit: AFP

Messi and Barcelona have been incredibly successful. Credit: Getty

Messi left his native Argentina for Spain when he was 13 and made his first-team debut for Barcelona aged 17 in October, 2004.

He has since scored 672 goals in 778 games and helped the Spanish giants win 34 trophies, replicas of which were displayed at the press conference.

His Barca teammates were in attendance for the teary goodbye and some honoured Messi on social media.

Whomever wears no.10 has some pretty big boots to fill. Credit: Getty

“When I was a child I enjoyed every game of yours with my brother in our room watching you on television,” midfielder Frenkie de Jong wrote on Instagram.

“When I came here two years ago I discovered that you were an amazing person.

“It has been a dream for me to play with the best player in history, I have enjoyed every minute on and off the pitch. Now I will continue to enjoy your magic but again like when I started, in front of the television.

“Thanks for everything, Leo. I wish the best in the future to you and your whole family.”