Lionel Messi has paid tribute to teammate Andres Iniesta after he announced that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the current season.
Iniesta said the following in a press conference earlier this week, which brought players and journalists to their feet as the Spaniard shed a tear. It was an emotional ride, let me tell you.
"I wanted to be honest with myself." he said in the press conference. "I've been here since I was 12 years old. If I couldn't contribute everything I was capable, then it was time to say goodbye. I don't want to make anybody uncomfortable."
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"I want to say thank you to the club and La Masia, which made me who I am. I want to thank all my team-mates, and my family, especially my wife and my three children, my treasures. Finally, I want to thank the fans, who have been with me through and thick and thin."
Just days after the announcement, his teammate and friend Lionel Messi sent the following message on Instagram alongside a number of pictures.
"Andres, thank you for all these years of football. It was a privilege to enjoy this sport by your side and have so many unforgettable moments together.
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"I wish you all the best in this new stage in sports and in your life. You are a phenomenon, on and off the field. We will miss you!"
A fitting tribute to the little Spaniard, who has achieved so much during his time at the Camp Nou.
This isn't the only tribute Messi has paid to his teammate in recent days. Iniesta played his last Barcelona final last week and fittingly raised the Copa del Rey on his own following the Argentine's classy gesture.
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Normally, the first and second captain (Iniesta and Messi) are supposed to come up together and raise the trophy.
However, Messi decided to let Iniesta go up by himself in his last final for Barcelona.
Respect.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta