From a tearful Lionel Messi bidding farewell to the only club he has ever known, to an emotional atmosphere at the annual Joan Gamper trophy clash -- which just happened to be against Messi's great rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus! -- this was a day that will live in the history of Barcelona.
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At noon CEST on Sunday, Lionel Messi stepped to the podium and said goodbye to Barcelona. AP Photo/Joan MonfortMessi's Barca teammates watched on as the club's greatest player fought through tears to speak. Andreu Dalmau/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockHow successful were Barcelona during Messi's time at the club? Let this picture tell the story. Eric Alonso/Getty ImagesOutside the Camp Nou, Barcelona fans were still coming to terms with the exit of their hero. Pau Barrena/AFP/Getty ImagesFor many, all they have ever known is the Argentinean superstar wearing the club's No. 10 shirt. Robert Bonet/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesA range of emotions pervaded Barcelona supporters, as their idol spoke inside the stadium. Robert Bonet/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesHours later, Barca coach Ronald Koeman pledged to give fans 'joy' despite Messi's exit. GettyAnd the post-Messi era at least got off to a winning start, with Memphis Depay starring against Juve. Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty ImagesMemphis opened the scoring early and later set up Martin Braithwaite to double the lead. Joan Monfort/AP PhotoThere was little Cristiano Ronaldo could do to affect the game during his 45 minutes of action. GettyBarca won a ninth straight Gamper trophy, but the game will be remembered for the man who was not there. Pau Barrena/Getty Images
A 3-0 win at least gave supporters reason to smile, but it might be some time before the joy truly returns. For this was the day that Lionel Messi -- the former Barcelona player -- said goodbye to the only club he has ever known.
Source: espn.co.uk