It would be any coach's worst nightmare to lose Lionel Messi, the same as it would be for any fan, sporting director or club president - although that's up for debate in this case.
As hard as it may be to recognise, someone at the Catalan club is seeing the benefit, though, as they work to try and make Barcelona's accounts miraculously balance for next season.
We can't say if that person is happy, as nobody knows, but there might be a sigh of relief.
Barcelona's estimated financial losses because of COVID-19 are set at 300 million euros.
They're one of the most damaged clubs, alongside other giants, as they don't just rely on television money like most clubs.
Barcelona, without selling Samuel Umtiti, Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez, Arthur, Arturo Vidal and, especially, Messi, wound be exceeding their wage cap significantly.
Without exact figures and based upon recent economic statements, it can be estimated that the savings in salaries and amortization for these players will exceed 220m euros.
Of that money, around 25 percent (55m euros) would be able to go towards wages due next season.
The savings from losing Messi would be worth 120m euros net among all costs - not just salary, but also bonuses and contractual payments owed.
However, there is no amortization as the club did not pay any transfer fee for him.
No football fan wants to see Messi leave or the Barcelona squad fall apart, but financially there is a small silver lining.
The salary and amortization savings could be substantial for the club and that's without thinking about what could be earned in transfer fees for these exits, which is crucial to Barcelona's attempts to rebuild.
It's of little consolation, but these financial savings mean there is light at the end of the tunnel as they are what will allow the club to rebuild.
Ronaldodabest
595
I hate messi soo much but messi leaving barca is the worst pain barca fans can feel right now. To all barca fans im sorry for your lose, it probably feels like you have lost your family. Stay strong 💪
Potabcdks
534
let messi leave the club Barcelona will be Barcelona we have lost lovely player at barca but still we are marking it lamasia is there will still get best player we will make it i love Barcelona more than messi barca made messi. messi did not made Barcelona
Sihbloruz
526
Why are behaving like without Messi there’s no future 🤦♂️. Am a Barca fan tho and it’s hurts to see Messi leave but the truth is whether he leaves or stays the club will still progress. Take a look at la masia and the other teams in laliga without Leo don’t we see them play good football especially with Sevilla with their youngsters the play good football and you can tell from what they’ve achieved so far. Let’s not act as in without Messi there’s in no future for Barca. Força Barca ❤️💙
Tijane
338
Messi to City - Give me Jesus & Garcia Messi to Inter - Give me Lautaro & Hakimi Messi to L'pool - Give me Robertson and TAA Messi to Man U - You ain't got anyone I want, give me Old Trafford Messi to PSG - The release clause is 700m, motherfuckers!
Ronaldodabest
310
Laliga will be nothing without this 2 goats who showed the world what they are capable of. And to all barca fans im sorry for your lose and instead of hating him for leaving, give him the best farewell everrrr so he messi knows what he did for barca.