Lionel Messi clinched a record-breaking 8th Ballon d’Or, pipping Erling Haaland for the top spot, underlining what a phenomenal career he has had.
Lionel Messi said he would play in a tribute game at Barcelona to say a proper goodbye to the club 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/mKVwcx9CJK
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 31, 2023
However, the 36-year-old has one unfinished business and that is a proper farewell from Barcelona, the team, where he achieved pretty much all of his silverware and personal accolades.
Speaking after his triumph in Paris, Messi said that the way the two sides parted ways two years ago. In 2021 Messi was forced to leave the Catalans amidst financial crisis as the team were unable to cover his wages, even tough the Argentinian was ready to lower them by half.
“I think there was a strange feeling when I left. It’s not good with everything we shared and lived together, and with everything that the club gave and I gave back to the club, I think I deserve to be able to say goodbye to people who I shared so many good and bad moments together during my career.” Messi said.