One thing that was apparent at Barcelona was the bond which formed between Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, and when the former left the club, it looked as if it would affect the captain's future at the Camp Nou as well.
Luis Suarez's Camp Nou exit only to Atletico Madrid served to further highlight Messi's frustration with Barcelona's board, but he had the idea to leave before the Uruguayan was let go.
"I had thought about it before Luis Suarez [left], but that was crazy," Messi explained to La Sexta.
"I didn't like the way he left. I didn't think he deserved to leave like that. He went for free to a team that is fighting for the same things as us."
In addition to Suarez, Neymar was also a close friend of Messi's with the trio making a WhatsApp group together.
"We speak from time to time," Messi admitted. "Recently, we - Messi and Neymar - have spoke about facing each other in the Champions League.
"I didn't like it [the draw] because we have to face a strong team, and neither does Ney because even though we aren't at our best now, we can improve.
"I speak to Luis almost every day, and between the three of us, we have a very good relationship."
Diwbilnuyz
529
Braca if messi leaves
soocdimry
453
Ronald: I will release a player for free Fans: Oh who will it be dembele Ronald: no Fans: coutino ? Ronald: NOO fans:Griezmann Ronald:NNOOOO... ITS Suarez FANS: WHAT... WTF Ronald: yes Messi left the chat
D10S_LM10
116
I won't blame Messi and it's seems clear he is leaving this summer . The way club has treated players in recent time was really bad. Damage is done and I am sure not even new president will be able to convince Messi to stay.
ishti
23
And what he is doing with ATM is even crazier, considering he was deemed to be finished.