Lionel Messi's two-decade stay at Barcelona is over after "financial and structural obstacles" prevented him from signing a new deal.
Barcelona confirmed on Thursday night that the club's greatest ever player will not be signing a new deal and will, subsequently, be playing his football somewhere other than the Camp Nou next season.
They say all good things must come to an end, but football fans across the world were not mentally prepared for this.
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The Argentine turned down approaches from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City some months ago, having decided he wanted to continue with Barca - but that is all about change.
PSG have reportedly contacted Messi's representatives to explore whether signing him may be possible. Just imagine the devastation that Messi would cause alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in a front three.
As for Barca, though, it will obviously be next to impossible to replace a player of the calibre of Messi and the Catalan outfit will have a torrid time of finding one to fill his boots.
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On that note, we take a look at five of the best offensive players who may go on to don Messi's role at Barcelona.
1. Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
Ever since he burst onto the scene, Ansu Fati has been touted as Messi's heir - and for good reason, too.
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The 18-year-old has already had a sizeable impact at senior level and is dubbed by many to be the future of Barcelona.
In 43 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga giants, the Spain international and scored 13 goals and provided five assists - and the pressure on Fati's shoulders is only bound to increase, especially with Messi now seemingly gone.
2. Memphis Depay (Barcelona)
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In recent years, Barcelona's transfer record has been somewhat poor, however, the signing of Memphis Depay on a free transfer could prove to be a masterstroke.
Given Depay's stellar form for Lyon - 76 goals and 56 assists inside 178 games - it was not surprising to see top European clubs circling for the forward once more.
Luckily for Barca, though, they secured his signature earlier this summer and the 27-year-old Netherlands international could become the club's most important attacker in the absence of Messi.
3. Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
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Erling Haaland is, arguably, the best young striker in world football and one of the best strikers in the world in general.
The Norweigan international has one of the most sought-after signatures in world football right now after scoring an impressive 48 times inside 51 games for club and country last season.
With Mbappe looking certain to join Real Madrid some time in the future, Haaland could be Barcelona's headline future signing. How's that for a future El Clasico face off?
3. Thiago Almada (Velez Sarsfield)
Thiago Almada - dubbed as the next Lionel Messi - is one of the brightest prospects from South America at the moment - and if you watch one of his performances this season, it will be easy to understand why.
With many European clubs already interested in his services - including Arsenal and Manchester City - it would come as no surprise to see Barcelona set their sights on Almada.
The young Argentinian talent looks like a player who has the ability to replace Lionel Messi on the right wing for the Catalan club. Watch this space.
4. Francisco Trincao (Barcelona)
Francisco Trincao signed with Barcelona in January 2020, and he is a prospect that fans are very excited about.
The 21-year-old proved himself as an excellent dribbler and shot-creator for Braga and his style of play makes him a great long-term replacement for Messi.
5. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Lautaro Martinez is one of the best young strikers in world football and has been excellent for Inter Milan.
The 23-year old was linked with Barcelona last summer, but stayed on to play an important role in Inter's Serie A success last season.
Martinez has now been linked with Arsenal in recent days, but it remains to be seen whether Barcelona will have the finances to sign Martinez from the Nerazzurri, as he will not come cheap.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Barcelona, Transfers, Lionel Messi
