‘End of an Era’: Messi’s exit from Barcelona prompts emotional tweets from soccer fans

Releasing a statement, the La-Liga club stated that “despite FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi having reached an agreement and the clear intention of both parties to sign a new contract today, this cannot happen because of Spanish LaLiga regulations on player registration.”

The statement continued, “As a result of this situation, Messi shall not be staying on at FC Barcelona. Both parties deeply regret that the wishes of the player and the club will ultimately not be fulfilled.”

“FC Barcelona wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude to the player for his contribution to the aggrandisement of the club and wishes him all the very best for the future in his personal and professional life.”

LATEST NEWS | Leo #Messi will not continue with FC Barcelona

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 5, 2021

As soon as the news was shared by the club, it went viral on social media garnering emotional and sentimental reactions from twitter users.

The most difficult thing in love is to end without a word of farewell ?? #Messi pic.twitter.com/wAM30FA56M

— Messi Vibes (@messi_vibes) August 6, 2021

Would be very hard to see Messi in a jersey other than in these two pic.twitter.com/OqmhxXtJWT

— ?????? (@Playbowled) August 6, 2021

Last year: Wanted to leave, but was forced to stay.
This year: Wanted to stay, but is being forced to leave because to Spanish regulation.?

Messi #Messi #Barcelona #messi #Legend pic.twitter.com/Dbi5zE7tai

— Mr. Son (@EBraugana) August 6, 2021

The number 10 Jersey should be retired forever by Barcelona
In the honor of Messi #Messi #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/Cm0IFme1HN

— Leo messi (@footbalmesi) August 6, 2021

Lionel Messi's first and last Goal for FC Barcelona !#Graciasleo pic.twitter.com/w8SsMxVGsW

— #Umar Waqas (Digital Marketing Director #Pakistan) (@mumarwaqaas) August 6, 2021

? | State of shocked Barcelona fans after the announcement of the departure of Lionel Messi. ? pic.twitter.com/0pQ4nvfbTw

— EverythingMessi™ (@EverythingLM10_) August 6, 2021

Joined as a boy, leaving as the world's best player. A love story for the books... #Messi Greatest of all time #Messi ??? pic.twitter.com/PxdpLJ8nbl

— SharRy Says (@Sharrymalik09) August 6, 2021

Really shocking man..... btw...we are with Leo Messi ?....we support you....This is your choice. And we will support you no matter which team you go to..love ❤️ #Messi pic.twitter.com/70DxPxJYaI

— Gautam™ #IND (@SpeaksGautam) August 6, 2021

Thank You, Legend ?? #Messi pic.twitter.com/ezJLI9F7Yh

— Huhhh (@BbJustfor) August 6, 2021

Leo “loyal” Messi ? pic.twitter.com/XoHXniy6Ph

— Bluto *x* (@ohhmydogg) August 6, 2021

Shocked listening the news of #Messi. This is probably one of the worst Morning ?. Thank you for making me fall in love consistently with the game. pic.twitter.com/3FSNSSqdHE

— Umang Pandit (@UmangPa10130532) August 6, 2021

Messi joined Barca's famed La Masia academy in 2000 and made his senior debut aged 16 in 2004.

He has made 778 appearances for the club, scoring 672 goals, including 120 Champions League goals (second behind Cristiano Ronaldo), and a record 474 La Liga goals.

He has been awarded the European Golden Shoe award for the continent's top scorer a record six times.