Topics: Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, Barcelona, Juventus, Joan Gamper Trophy
La Pulga did not get the sending off he deserved, forcing Barcelona fans to commemorate their icon in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

Sunday was a heartbreaking day for Barcelona fans as an emotional Lionel Messi held a press conference at the Camp Nou to confirm his exit from the club. After spending 21 years in Catalonia, the Argentine icon's record-breaking spell with the Blaugrana has come to an end, with the player breaking down in tears as he bid farewell to his home in Spain.

The 34-yer-old, despite struggling to speak for the most part, was very candid with his words, admitting that he had agreed to a new deal with Joan Laporta and did everything within his power to stay. Unfortunately, due to the club's dire financial situation and inability to register players due to their salary cap, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner could not remain and is thus departing.

The saddest thing about this whole exit is that unlike fellow Barcelona icons Xavi and Iniesta who waved goodbye to a packed Camp Nou, Messi's farewell came in a press conference with his team-mates, the club executives, and a handful of reporters. The South American did not get the sending off from the fans he deserved, with the attacker admitting that he is disappointed not to have played in front of Cules for one last time.

Regardless, this did not stop Barcelona fans from paying tribute to their icon. Later that same day, the first team were in action, taking on Juventus in the Joan Gamper Trophy at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. While the training facility was not sold out, there were enough supporters present to pay homage to Leo.

In the 10th minute of the game, fans could be heard belting out the famous "Messi, Messi, Messi" chant in reference to his iconic no.10 jersey. Check it out in the video below.

The clash with the Bianconeri was the first game for Koeman's side since Messi's departure was confirmed. Speaking after the game, Gerard Pique opened up about the effect his exit has had on the dressing room, revealing that everyone is "broken".

"The team was honestly a bit broken because of Messi's departure, we will lose magic in attack, but we have to move forward, the fans expect a lot from us," the center-back said.

"We lose the best player of all time. It has hurt us and it hurt him too. I don't know the whole story, the two parties have said that it has been a matter of numbers... The management of the last years hasn't helped, but history shows that we will get up.

"People really want to come to the stadium and we have to cheer the fans. We have to start winning and give them nice things. We need the fans with us."

Fortunately, the post-Leo era began well for the Blaugrana as they beat Cristiano and Co. 3-0 to lift the trophy. New signing Memphis Depay opened the scoring, with Martin Braithwaite and Rique Puig getting on the scoresheet in the second half.