New Delhi: Lionel Messi on Sunday addressed his exit from FC Barcelona after spending 17 seasons at the club. Messi, who played his first official match for Barcelona at the age of 17, bid goodbye to his childhood club with tears in his eyes.

Messi revealed that he was convinced and wanted to stay at the club.

“I was convinced to stay here at Barcelona. This is my home, our home. I wanted to stay at Barça and it was the plan… and today I’ve to say goodbye after my entire life here,” Messi said at the press conference.

Barcelona on Thursday announced that the contract negotiation with Messi has ended as the club will not be able to register the six-time Ballon d’Or winner due to Spanish Financial Fair Play.

Messi said he is hoping to return to club at some point as he never imagined saying goodbye to Barcelona.

“I never imagined I’d be saying goodbye because I never thought I’d leave. It’s even stranger due to the pandemic and playing without fans. I have always felt the love of the fans though and hopefully, I’ll be back at some point.”


“There have been so many good times, and also some bad ones, but that has helped me to grow and become the person that I am. I was convinced we were going to stay, which is what we all wanted, but today it turns out I have to say goodbye,” he said.

Messi said it is very difficult for him to leave Barcelona after 21 years but he promised to return as he called the club his home.

“This is very difficult for me after so many years. Last year when all the stuff with the burofax was going on I was convinced [to leave]. But this year no. This is our home and we love Barcelona, as much from the sporting side as in our everyday life. After 21 years here I’m leaving with my wife and three Argentinean-Catalans. We’ll be back, this is our home and I promised my kids as well,” Messi added.