The Blaugrana skipper sent a touching message to his former boss.

Barcelona skipper Lionel Messi has taken to social media to issue a heartwarming farewell message to sacked boss Ernesto Valverde. The 55-year-old Spanish manager bid the Argentine striker and his teammates goodbye on Tuesday after reaching an agreement with the club to end his contract as manager of the first team.

In the message posted on Messi's Instagram page, the Barca skipper praised his former boss for being a top professional and person. The 32-year-old forward will now be working with former Real Betis manager Quique Setien who was confirmed as the successor of Valverde on Monday night.

"Thanks for everything, gaffers.

"I'm sure everything will go well for you wherever you go because, as well as being a top professional, you're also a top person. Good luck and a big hug."

Although posterity will mostly remember the duo as spearheading Barcelona's successive collapse against AS Roma and Liverpool in the 2018 and 2019 UEFA Champions League campaigns, their collective achievement cannot be underemphasized. In Ernesto Valverde's two-and-a-half seasons at Camp Nou, the Catalans won two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup.

For Lionel Messi, working with the former Athletic Club boss came with its benefits as it aided him to scoop the 2019 Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best Player awards as well as the 2017/18 and 2018/19 LaLiga top-scorer and European Golden Shoe awards. Prior to posting his farewell message to the departed manager, the latter took to Barcelona's official website to pen an open letter to the club's supporters.

"My time as FC Barcelona coach has come to an end," he began.

"It has been an intense two and a half years right from the start.

"In that time I have enjoyed some joyful moments celebrating victories and trophies but also others that have been tough and difficult.

"However, above all I would like to highlight my experience with the fans and the affection showed towards me during my time as coach.

"I would like to thank the president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to coach the first team and their confidence during all this time.

"I would also like to thank all the people I have worked with at the Club for their support and how they treated me during the two and a half seasons, especially those who work in and around the first team and with whom I have shared so many moments at the Ciutat Esportiva and during away trips.

"Of course, I would like to thank the players for all their efforts that have allowed us to claim four trophies together. From this day, I wish them all the luck in the world and to the new coach Quique Setién also.

"All the best to everyone. Visca Barça and Visca Catalonia."