How Barcelona teammates said goodbye to Lionel Messi
![Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C), flanked with Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez (R) and Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta (L), poses with the 2010 Ballon d'Or trophy (Golden Ball). (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (C), flanked with Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez (R) and Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta (L), poses with the 2010 Ballon d'Or trophy (Golden Ball). (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d5bc76a34eb5715960fb95f6dada4afd9654837b09725be371df22ddb6ba391c.jpg)
5) Carles Puyol
A legend at Barcelona, and a legend in football, Carles Puyol, left a short and sweet farewell to his former teammate. Puyol was arguably Barcelona’s greatest ever captain, and he had the responsibility to manage a mercurial player such as Lionel Messi. Without a commanding and caring captain such as Puyol, Messi could have fallen out of order and ended up like stars such as Ronaldinho, who were talented but were lazy as well. However, under the mentorship of Puyol, he became the world’s best player. Carles wrote on Instagram,
"“Many thanks for everything #leo, we will never be able to thank you for all that you have given us, I wish you the best. #viscaelbarça”"
Puyol as of now, is not connected with Barcelona at all, however, it is very likely that Joan Laporta will bring him in as a member of the board. He was offered the role of Sporting Director in 2019 but he rejected that, however, his relationship with Laporta might compel him to take the spot this time around.