Messi at the end of the day is not much different to Ronaldo in a way.. There is a clear indication that both messi and penaldo are self-centered.. messi rarely talk about the fans or show connection to them in the same fashion as penaldo. Maybe he underwent a metamorphosis Over the years. They both seem to prioritize their personal legacy/glory and family. I had heard messi countless times talk about his sons and wife when did he speak about his fans and their admiration?!
The excuses that barcelona is a sinking ship is a poor one. Again buffon the best keeper in the world played in second division for a club that is not even his Alma mater. Nedved too, a ballon dor winner.
I am not ready to hear any excuses by messi because it's going to be bullshit no matter how he word it.
Buffon and Nedved are not 1/100 of a player Messi is. Just...don't go there. For last 2-3 years all we heard on this forum is how Messi is keeping us afloat and now that he leaves its "Why is he leaving? We are not that bad...He doesn't care about fans, only about his own glory! Why doesn't he score another 150 goals in next 3 years only for us to finish 2nd and out in Quarters of CL? What a brat..."
You guys are spoiled. Messi gave this team 15 years of best football ANYONE has ever played. He is 33, he wants to spend 2-3 last years fighting for CLs and not getting braces and hatricks in barca loses. Its completely understandable what he is doing. He is not doing Neymar.
As for Ronaldo, he also made terrific job for Real. Gave them 8 years of great football for 0$, can't fault him for leaving.