'I FEEL SICK': Barcelona fans in shock at Messi’s departure, saying ‘it’s like a family member has died’, but some believe he will stay
By Adrian Addison in Barcelona
ON the beaches and streets and in the bars of Barcelona, it's like a king has died.
But there is no heir to the throne with the No 10 on the back.
The locals kind of knew their man with the golden boots was struggling and there was a chance he could pass on, but there was hope - his heart still beat to the rhythm of the Barca drum and the news coming out of the club had been optimistic for weeks.
Most fans thought the contract just needed a nice waft of air to dry the ink and a signature, a quick smile for the cameras and a handshake with the president 'y vamos'.
Nope. Now, it seems, Lionel Messi's name will be on no more FC Barcelona contracts. That's it, it's all over.
Oh dear.
Joan Fuster was sitting on a promenade bench a couple of miles from the Nou Camp pitch looking into the Mediterranean sea, for sure he's a Barca fan because he has an FC Barcelona club badge tattoo covering most of his upper back.
The man, it's fair to say, is shell shocked.
He told SunSport: "I feel sick. I just got a text from a mate saying Messi and the club couldn't agree a deal.
"What? I thought it was done? Yeah, there are financial problems and all that but what a load of bull****.
"Leo Messi is the best player that has ever lived and he should never wear another club's shirt. It's like someone in the family has died.
"It's not right, it's just not f***ing right! Antoine Griezmann stays and Messi goes?
"You can't build a Barca side around Griezmann. He loves his hair more than the club shirt.
"I don't know what happens next. It's a mess."
'MONEY MONEY MONEY'
Meritxell Reus is another fan, sitting in a chiringuito - a beach bar - sipping a small beer with friends and watching the sun go down.
"Come on, let's get realistic here, eh. Yeah, he's a great player but he's way past his prime," she told SunSport.
"And I don't buy any of this loyalty crap. It's all about money. Money, money, money.
"The pot has run dry for Leo Messi but he's been sucking cash out of the club long enough. He should pay back in.
"Now he'll get a couple of years elsewhere on a load of money.
"Good riddance, he cost too much anyway. He's in the past, move on."
THE SUN Barcelona, Published: 5 Aug 2021
