Five years on, Messi's tearful Barcelona exit remains a poignant memory

Five years ago, on August 8, 2021, Lionel Messi delivered a tearful and profoundly emotional farewell to FC Barcelona, the club where he spent the majority of his life and rose to global superstardom. The press conference was marked by Messi's visible distress, a stark contrast to his earlier intention to leave in 2020 via burofax.

"I don't know if I'll be able to speak. On this last day, I've been thinking, going over it... to see what I could say. Nothing came to me. I was blocked, as I still am now," Messi confessed at the start of the conference, removing his mask and weeping. He was accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, whose presence amplified his emotional state.

Messi explained that his departure was unexpected, stating, "I spent my whole life here and I wasn't prepared for this. Last year, when the burofax issue arose, I was. I knew what I had to say and I was convinced. But this year, no. My family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, in our home. That's what we wanted most."

He expressed deep gratitude for his 21 years at the club, having arrived at age 13. "I'm leaving with my wife and three Catalan/Argentine children and I couldn't be prouder of everything I did and experienced in this city," he said. Messi, who became the club's all-time leading scorer, also vowed to return: "I'm sure that after a few years away, I will return. I promised that to my children."

Messi thanked his teammates, former teammates, and all club personnel, emphasizing the values of humility and respect he learned at Barcelona. He acknowledged both the beautiful and difficult moments, stating that they all contributed to his growth. The departure marked one of the most challenging moments of his illustrious career.