Lionel Messi the latest to send public message of support to departing Barcelona star

Barcelona icon Lionel Messi has on Monday taken to social media, to send a message of appreciation to a former Blaugrana teammate.

The player in question? Sergi Roberto.

The name of midfielder Roberto has of course positioned itself front and centre in the headlines in Catalunya’s capital over the course of the last 24 hours.

This comes after confirmation was at last forthcoming that the versatile performer, who has spent his entire senior career to date on Barcelona’s books, will not be offered a new contract for next season.

The 32-year-old does not feature in the plans of new Blaugrana head coach Hansi Flick, and will therefore be allowed to depart on a free transfer.

Messages of thanks and well wishes alike have since poured in for Roberto, whose commitment to the cause at the Camp Nou could never have been called into question.

And, as alluded to above, on Monday evening, such messages have been added to by the greatest player to ever pull on the famed Barca red and blue.

In a post on his official Instagram account, Lionel Messi unveiled a photo of he and Roberto during their days as teammates, accompanied by the caption:

‘Wishing you luck in your new stage!! I wish you the best, @sergiroberto’