Barcelona have crashed out of this season’s Champions League after losing over two legs to PSG in the last-16 of the competition.
Photo via Reuters
Barca’s 1-1 draw with the French giants this morning (March 11th) was not enough for them to overturn a 4-1 deficit from the first leg, with PSG advancing 5-2 on aggregate.
It marked the first time since 2007 the Catalan side have failed to reach the quarterfinals of Europe’s premier club competition.
But this morning’s exit may hold even greater significance – it may very well have been Lionel Messi’s final Champions League appearance in a Barcelona shirt.
It comes amid persistent rumours that the Argentine will be leaving the club this summer, having spent his entire senior career at the Nou Camp.
Photo via Reuters
The 33-year-old has made no secret of his unhappiness with how the club has been run in recent years and demanded to leave before the start of the current campaign before eventually retracting his transfer request.
And with the player available on a free transfer at the end of the season, there will be no shortage of suitors keen on securing his services.
But for those who can’t bear the thought of Messi playing for another club …there might still be hope.
Barcelona’s recent presidential election saw the return of Joan Laporta to the top post. It was under his leadership that Barca became household names during the glory days of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and co.
Most importantly, Laporta has made it his top priority to convince Messi to stay.
But if he does leave, it will bring to end one of the most illustrious chapters in European club football.
Photo via Reuters
During his 18-year spell with Barca, Messi has won four Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups and a long list of other domestic and personal trophies and awards.
For supporters and neutrals alike… Messi in a Barcelona shirt has almost become synonymous with the Champions League.
Anything else is going to be hard to get used to.
By: Nicholas Darren John
