Today in history: Lionel Messi Announced Barcelona Exit a Year Ago

• 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi ended his twenty years stay at Camp Nou on this day last year
• The news that Lionel Messi will not play for Barcelona stunned the world on Thursday, August 5, 2021
• The Catalans reportedly consider making a move for him next summer when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire

Today marks exactly one year since Lionel Messi left Barcelona.

The news that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will not continue with the Catalan giants shocked the world on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

Messi joined Barcelona's La Masia as a 13-year-old kid after his family agreed to let him sign for the Camp Nou club.

Dani Alves keeps World Cup dream alive as defender sets to get new club after unceremonious Barcelona exit

Football

He went on to become the club's record appearance holder and top scorer, scoring 672 times in 778 games.

The Argentine captain left the Camp Nou outfit for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer last year, calling an emotional end to his 21-year Barcelona career.

How Messi left Barcelona

Messi had already agreed to terms on a new contract with a 50% pay cut to help Barcelona, only for club president Joan Laporta to pull the rug from under his feet at the last minute.

A source involved in the negotiations told ESPN:

"Jorge had a meeting early in the afternoon with Laporta and a notary from Barcelona to go over the two-year contract and sign the documents."

"Talks had been long, but with the election of Laporta in March, everything seemed fine. But when Jorge landed, he received a call from Laporta: 'Jorge, don't go to the notary, the club's situation is not the best and we're not going to be able to sign the agreement, I am so sorry.' Then Jorge phoned his son to relay the news to him."

Barcelona open to Lionel Messi return as Juan Laporta longs to bring Argentine back to Camp Nou

Football

Joan Laporta Set to Repair Relationship With Lionel Messi Amid Reunion Plans

Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has vowed to do all he can to re-sign Lionel Messi next summer when the PSG star's contract expires.

Now, journalist Achraf Ben Ayad claims that the Barcelona president will now silently work on mending his relationship with the Argentina captain.

With Messi reportedly feeling betrayed due to the manner of his exit, Laporta wants to restore his good relationship with the Argentine ahead of his potential return next summer.

Xavi Publicly Approves Lionel Messi's Return to Barcelona

Sports Brief earlier reported that Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has publicly declared that he would like to see the return of Lionel Messi to the club next season.

Messi, 35, exited the Nou Camp to join the French giants on a free transfer in 2021, calling an emotional end to his 21-year Barcelona career.

Now Xavi has joined club president Joan Laporta to publicly talk about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's potential comeback.