Former Barcelona striker, Martin Braithwaite, has said that Lionel Messi did not deserve the way he left Barcelona in 2021, describing the departure as sudden and unfair.
Braithwaite, who played alongside Messi at the Catalan club, said the Argentine star should have been given a better send-off after all he did for the club. He expressed hope that Messi will one day return to Camp Nou and retire where he spent most of his career.
Messi, now 38, left Barcelona as a free agent in August 2021 after the club was unable to renew his contract due to financial difficulties and La Liga wage restrictions. He later signed for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and now plays for Inter Miami in the United States.
Speaking in an interview with GE, as quoted by Sportskeeda, Braithwaite said:
“It was strange because it happened suddenly. We were all expecting him to renew. Everything was ready for the contract renewal, and suddenly he left the club.”
He added that Messi was not only a great player but also a kind and helpful person in the dressing room.
“Leo is a very lovable person and helps us. You feel comfortable with him. He was very calm. As for Leo as a player, I think I don’t need to say anything,” Braithwaite said.
“He didn’t deserve that. I hope he can play his last match there [at Barcelona] because he truly deserves it.”
Lionel Messi spent over 20 years at Barcelona, joining the youth academy at a young age and eventually becoming the club’s all-time top scorer and most decorated player. He won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League trophies, and 7 Copa del Rey titles, among others.
Messi’s departure in 2021 shocked fans and football lovers around the world, as many expected him to end his career at the club. His emotional farewell press conference made headlines globally.
Many former teammates and fans have continued to express sadness over the way his time at the club ended.
Braithwaite’s comments are the latest in a long list of calls for Barcelona to honour Messi properly before he retires from professional football.
