Lineker leads the tributes to Messi following emotional goodbye to Barcelona

Lionel Messi's emotional farewell to his beloved Barcelona grabbed the attention of football fans worldwide on Sunday following his astonishing 21-year trophy-laden career with the club.

Messi's departure from the Nou Camp has sent shockwaves throughout the world of football after the Spanish giants - in crisis mode amid a financial nightmare - failed to extend his stay after his deal expired at the start of last month.

Following his bombshell departure, Messi is now on the brink of signing for Paris Saint-Germain, who have reportedly offered the Argentine a two-year deal worth around £70million.

And following the confirmation of his shock exit, Messi held a press conference to say his goodbyes to everyone associated with Barcelona -  in which he would address to fans why his 21-year spell has come to a dramatic end.

But the six-time Ballon d'Or winner couldn't contain his emotions, and was inconsolable - along with his emotional team-mates as they listened in - as he tried to explain the reasons behind leaving.

And Gary Lineker led the way on social media, paying tribute to Messi for his spell-binding services to the club.

Lineker wrote on Twitter: 'So sad watching a clearly very emotional Lionel Messi having to say goodbye to @FCBarcelona.

'No player in the history of the sport has given so much joy, so many unforgettable moments, so much success to one club.'

Plenty more of football's biggest names, and fans, were quick to flock to social media to laud the Argentine after producing some of the most magical moments the sport has ever seen.