Lionel Messi has been named the “best player in the world” by Ronald Koeman after Barcelona announced that they won’t continue with the legend and he will leave the club. Messi had 20 years stellar career at Camp Nou, scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances. Unfortunately, his time with the LaLiga giants came to an end this week due to the club’s dire financial situation.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was expected to sign a new contract after becoming a free agent on July 1. But the shocking announcement was made on Thursday by the Spanish club and Messi is no longer a Barca player.
Koeman, who coached Messi during the 2020-21 season, joined a slew of football’s biggest names in paying tribute to Messi. Ronald Koeman and a slew of former and current Barcelona players took to social media to bid farewell to Lionel Messi. The head coach took to his Instagram, “Still hard to understand that you will not play for [Barcelona] anymore. Thanks for everything you have done for our club. 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!” Koeman added. With Messi expected to join PSG, Koeman will have to adjust to life without the four-time Champions League winner.
Following Barcelona’s win over Juventus (3:0), the Blaugrana coach Ronald Koeman has commented on Lionel Messi’s parting ways with the club. “It’s normal when a player like Messi leaves, it’s hard for everyone, but we have to move on because we can’t change the situation.”
“We have to play well and work even harder. There are other players who can play in his position and play an important role in the team. We don’t have Leo now and have to move on and look forward”, – Koeman told the press, according to Marca.
