AFCON 2025
Lionel Messi has expressed his regret over the emotional circumstances surrounding his unexpected 2021 departure from Barcelona.
The Argentine star, who spent the majority of his career at Camp Nou, was forced to leave as a free agent for Paris Saint-Germain due to Barcelona’s crippling financial issues, a move that shocked the football world.
Messi moved to Paris and performed well before going on to win the World Cup with Argentina.
Now playing for Inter Miami, the 38-year-old reflected on his abrupt exit in a recent interview:
Messi back at Camp Nou 🥺 pic.twitter.com/rCoZAGbR4S
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 10, 2025
“I didn’t leave Barça as I had imagined to. I was left with a strange feeling after my departure…”
Messi lamented the lack of a proper send-off, noting his final years coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning his last match—a 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo in May 2021—was played in an empty stadium.
“I finished my final years without the fans. The farewell moment was also a bit strange because of the circumstances and everything surrounding it.”
