Argentine legend Jorge Valdano has said that Lionel Messi’s Barcelona exit hurts Real Madrid as well, as teams are “measured in terms of their rivals”.
In an interview with Spanish outlet El Pais, as quoted by Tribal Football, Jorge Valdano has had his say on the departure of Lionel Messi from Barcelona. The Argentine legend has claimed that Messi’s exit also hurts Real Madrid, while adding that his departure is painful and inexplicable.
It is a development that continues to shock the world to this day. Early in August, it was announced that Barcelona would not be able to renew terms with Lionel Messi owing to the implementation of certain regulations by La Liga, even though they had agreed a new deal with their living legend.
Messi eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain and ahead of the international break, he made his debut for the Ligue 1 heavyweights. That moment came as a shell shock for Barcelona fans the world over, even though it was inevitable.
Now, Argentina legend and former Real Madrid manager has spoken up about Messi’s exit from Barcelona. The 65-year-old has also said that his departure from Camp Nou will have adverse effects on Real Madrid themselves while also adding that the news has been painful and inexplicable.
Valdano told El Pais, “There’s the feeling that Barcelona just didn’t have the money to pay Messi. An illusion was created, and because everything happened so fast it seemed like he’d been kicked out. In a game where identity is so important, getting rid of a legend like him isn’t just painful, it’s inexplicable.”
“Him leaving also damages Real Madrid a lot, because teams are also measured in terms of their rivals. Simply put, Messi will go down as a footballing genius, but he won’t just have belonged to Barcelona, which is quite sad.”
Also Read: Barcelona Summer Transfer Window Verdict 2021/22
Messi’s Barcelona departure has evoked a myriad of feelings from fans, pundits and neutrals alike, with Barcelona legends bemoaning his exit. Meanwhile, Juan Roman Riquelme has made a sensational claim that Messi would go on to retire at Barcelona. As for Valdano’s comments, it remains to be seen if the Argentina captain’s transfer ends up hurting Real Madrid.
