Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Speaking on the Big Time Podcast, Barcelona legend and football icon Lionel Messi reflected on his departure from the Catalan outfit in 2021, stating that he was not ready to leave the club.

During the summer of 2021, Messi was forced to leave Barcelona in perhaps the biggest shocking moment in the history of the game as the club could not renew his contract.

The Argentine’s previous contract had run out and even though club president Joan Laporta had constantly expressed optimism about renewing the greatest of all time, in the end, the financial situation did not allow the Blaugrana to go ahead with it.

It was a shock for Messi and his family and everyone else, and the Argentine superstar had to accept the situation and move to PSG on a free transfer.

Speaking on the podcast, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner admitted that it was a tough pill to swallow as he was not ready to leave Barcelona with his family at the time.

“I thought I would stay in Barcelona. I was not ready to rebuild my life and move my family from this place… my wife and children,” Messi remarked.

Messi bid goodbye to Barcelona in 2021. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Following his teary goodbye to Barcelona, the Argentine icon spent two seasons at PSG where he won more trophies.

Messi also went on to win the World Cup, an honour that had eluded him all his career, in 2022 in Qatar, and his accomplishments earned a record eighth Ballon d’Or last year.

Following the expiry of his contract with PSG in 2023, there was a chance for Messi to return to Barcelona.

Talks were held, but ultimately it was not to be and the Argentine ended up at Inter Miami, where he has been joined by close friends and ex-Barça teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.

Messi might not return to Barcelona again as a player, but the club are working hard to hold a tribute event for him so that the legend can bid a proper goodbye to fans.