From Messi’s farewell to the sport towards Ronaldo and Juventus, it was a day like no different for Barcelona

It started with Lionel Messi’s tearful farewell to the only club he has ever known, and ended with an emotional atmosphere at the annual Joan Gamper Cup game that happened to be played against Messi’s great rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus! August 8, 2021 will live a long time in the history of Barcelona.

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Lionel Messi stepped onto the podium on Sunday at 12 noon CEST and said goodbye to Barcelona. AP Photo / Joan MonfortMessi’s Barca teammates watched as the club’s greatest player tearfully struggled to speak. Andreu Dalmau / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock How successful were Barcelona during Messi’s time at the club? Let this picture tell the story. Eric Alonso / Getty Images Outside the Camp Nou, Barcelona fans are still coming to terms with their hero’s departure. Pau Barrena / AFP / Getty ImagesFor many, all they’ve ever met is the Argentine superstar wearing the club’s # 10 jersey. Robert Bonet / NurPhoto / Getty Images A series of emotions permeated Barcelona fans as their idol spoke at the stadium. Robert Bonet / NurPhoto / Getty Images Hours later, Barca coach Ronald Koeman promised to give fans “joy” despite Messi’s departure. Getty: And the post-Messi era at least got off to a successful start, with Memphis Depay versus Juve. Pedro Salado / Quality Sport Images / Getty ImagesMemphis opened the lead early and later pitched Martin Braithwaite to double the lead. Joan Monfort / AP Photo: There was little that Cristiano Ronaldo could do to influence the game during his 45-minute action. GettyBarca won the ninth straight Gamper’s Cup, but the game will be remembered for the man who wasn’t there. Pau Barrena / Getty Images

A 3-0 win on Sunday gave at least the fans reason to smile, but it could be some time before the joy really returns. Because on that day Lionel Messi – the former Barcelona player – said goodbye to the only club he has ever known.