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Lionel Messi: Ronald Koeman admits it is ‘still hard to understand’ Barcelona star’s exit

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Ronald Koeman says it is ‘still hard to understand’ that Lionel Messi has left Barcelona, with the baffled Dutchman taking to Twitter to wish the Argentine well following his shock departure. 

The Spanish club sent shockwaves through world football when they announced on Thursday that Messi would not re-sign for the club, with his contract having expired at the start of last month. 

Messi’s exit ends an incredible 21-year stay in Barcelona, in which he has cemented his reputation as one of football’s greatest players having scooped a whole host of individual and team accolades in Catalonia.

A baffled Ronald Koeman has shared his disbelief in Barcelona legend Lionel Messi leaving

The Argentine, 34, will not play for the Spaniards next season, the club confirmed this week

Tributes and messages of thanks have poured in from current and former team-mates, with Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas among a number of stars to hail Messi’s outstanding Barcelona career.

And now current Barcelona boss Koeman has taken to Twitter to share his disbelief in Messi’s departure, the baffled Dutchman admitting it is ‘still hard to understand’ that he will no longer have the Argentine in his dressing room.  

‘Still hard to understand that you will not play for @FCBarcelona anymore,’ the former Everton and Southampton manager wrote on Twitter. 

‘Thanks for everything you have done for our club Leo. I really enjoyed the full season we worked together. I am impressed with your work ethic and desire to win.

‘It makes you the best player in the world. For now, I wish you and your family the best! #ForcaBarca’. 

Koeman took to Twitter to admit it is ‘still hard to understand’ that Messi will not return

Koeman’s message comes after Barcelona confirmed that Lionel Messi will hold a press conference on Sunday morning to say his official goodbyes and explain his departure.

The 34-year-old has spoken to Paris St Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino as he considers his next move with an offer expected from the French side over the coming hours. 

The Argentine’s representatives contacted PSG on Thursday once it was confirmed Barcelona could no longer honour the contract they had agreed.

Pochettino was keen to ascertain Messi’s desire to make the move and discuss what role he would have within their stellar squad alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Messi will hold a press conference on Sunday to say his goodbyes to the Barcelona supporters 

Messi is in Barcelona where he plans to make a public address to media and supporters from the Camp Nou at 11am on Sunday to put his side across regarding his departure.

He has been described by Sportsmail sources as still being ‘hurt and in a state of shock’ following Thursday’s news that he would be leaving the club he has served for 21 years and was unsure about the move to PSG.

The Argentina captain is Barcelona’s record scorer with 672 goals and has won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Copa del Reys, as well as claiming the Ballon d’Or on a record six occasions. 

Source: Daily Mail

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Source: newsfinale