On Tuesday, Messi informed Barcelona he wanted 'unilaterally' to terminate his contract by triggering a release clause, sending shockwaves across the world of sport.
The 33-year-old Argentine footballing genius was increasingly unable single-handedly to rescue his imploding club, as he had done so often in the past.
It marked the first time Barca had conceded eight goals in a game since losing to Sevilla 8-0 in the 1946 Spanish Cup. Even the appointment of former Camp Nou fan favourite Ronald Koeman as head coach last week could not convince Messi to stay. There will be no shortage of clubs eager to employ Messi, who could be snapped up on a free transfer, but the favourites look to be Manchester City, led by his former Barcelona mentor Pep Guardiola.
Equally effective as a mesmerising playmaker or lethal goalscorer, Messi holds the records for most goals and most hat-tricks in La Liga and has scored more than 700 senior goals for club and country.
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