Footballer Lionel Messi bid an emotional farewell to the only club he has ever known in his professional career.

The Barcelona legend received a standing ovation before even beginning his press conference.

Lionel Messi can’t hold back the tears as he gets a standing ovation at the end of his magical Barcelona story. What a legend 😢 #LionelMessi pic.twitter.com/Wk6BxqrtEk

— Kevin Palmer 💙 (@RealKevinPalmer) August 8, 2021

After taking a few moments to compose himself, Messi said his goodbyes to the club.

Lionel Messi: 'I was convinced to stay here at Barcelona. This is my home, our home. I wanted to stay at Barcelona and it was the plan, and today I’ve to say goodbye after my entire life here.’ ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/H93dh6EN1D

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 8, 2021

He touched on how different the situation was from last year, and how much he wanted to stay in Barcelona.

"Being here my entire life, I'm not ready for this, and honestly, last year, all the nonsense with the burofax, I was convinced I knew what I wanted to say, but this year, this year is not the same.

My family and I were convinced we were going to stay here, we were going to stay at home, that's what we wanted more than anything. We were at home... but well, today is, I have to say goodbye to all of this. I have been here so many years, my entire life here, since I was 13."

It is unclear where exactly he is headed, though he did acknowledge Paris St Germain (PSG) as one of the possible landing points.

Messi on PSG:

"It is a possibility, but as of today there is nothing agreed with anyone. When the statement came out, I had many calls, various clubs were interested. But I have nothing closed yet. But we are talking.” 🗣 pic.twitter.com/JCon63TPxh

— GOAL (@goal) August 8, 2021

Sources such as Fabrizio Romano and ESPN have confirmed that Messi will be heading to PSG.

When asked what Barcelona will be like without him, Messi said that "first it will be weird, but they will get used to it".

The club is bigger than one player, a sentiment expressed by Joan Laporta.

Messi also stressed how he had given everything to the club, from the first day he arrived to the day he left.

When asked about his favourite moment from his many years at Barcelona, Messi picked his debut.

"Maybe the time when I made my debut, that was my dream come true."

Pic of the year.
End of an era.
Historical day.

Lionel Andrés Messi pic.twitter.com/5zwQAKnwOH

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2021

You can watch the entire press conference here.

Image from Barcelona YouTube