Messi's last message: I would have liked to leave in a different way

In one of the saddest ever days for Barcelona fans, Lionel Messi has admitted he would have liked to have left the club in a very different way.

Despite agreeing terms on a new contract with Barcelona, the club were unable to ratify the deal given the constraints of LaLiga's financial fair play and thus told Messi they were unable to honour the agreement.

Messi bid farewell to the club, fans and teammates in an emotional press conference on Sunday, before posting a final goodbye on Instagram.

"I would have liked to leave in a different way, although I suppose a farewell can never be a nice thing," Messi wrote.

"I would have loved to stay here, I did everything with that goal in mind and in the end it didn't happen. I only have words of thanks for all those who have been with me for so many years at the club.

"And for our fans, who gave me all their affection and I tried to repay them by giving my all for this shirt. I'm leaving, but it's not goodbye, just see you later. Visca el Barca!!!"