BARCELONA (Reuters) - Between trying to compose himself, wiping away tears and facing a long standing ovation, it took Lionel Messi more than a minute to start his farewell news conference on Sunday at FC Barcelona, where the Argentine has spent all of his playing career. "I don't know if I am going to be able to speak," were his first words, tears running down his cheeks. I feel very sad that I have to leave this club, this club that I love. I wasn't expecting it," Messi said, adding that he and his family had been convinced they were going to stay in Barcelona, and "wanted that more than anything". Both Barca, which has suffered steep losses recently, and Messi had wanted to sign a new contract.

Source: The Star August 08, 2021 12:45 UTC