Lionel Messi sends message to former teammate following Barcelona departure

On Sunday night, Sergi Roberto announced that he will be leaving FC Barcelona this summer as a free agent.

The 32-year-old former captain saw his contract with the Blaugrana run down on June 30 itself. However, a renewal proposal was on the table, although it was subject to the club’s Fair Play situation.

With it becoming abundantly clear that Roberto’s registration would not be the priority for Barça this summer, the Spaniard decided to bid adieu to the club of his life, departing after 18 years at the Catalan outfit.

Tributes and well wishes poured in for Roberto from current and former teammates after the announcement of his departure. The likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Jordi Alba, among others all wished him well for the next chapter in his career.

Lionel Messi’s message to Roberto

Now, Barcelona legend and former captain Lionel Messi has taken to social media to wish Sergi Roberto the best of luck in his future endeavours.

Posting a picture of the two of them together, the record Ballon d’Or winner wrote: “All the best of luck in your new phase. I wish you all the best.”

Source: Instagram

There is a lot of similarity between the way Roberto and Messi left Barcelona.

Three years ago, the Argentine superstar also waited for the club to finalise his renewal after his previous contract had expired, only to be informed that his registration would be impossible, forcing him to leave for free.

Roberto’s departure also happens in similar circumstances with Barcelona failing to assure his registration. The 32-year-old has plenty of options on his table as he decides on the next move in his career.