It has been a roller-coaster past 24 hours for FC Barcelona. On Thursday, Barca shocked the footballing world when the club announced that it would not re-sign current free agent Lionel Messi.

The Argentine superstar was on the verge of signing off on a multiyear deal to stay on with Barca, which was confirmed by club president Joan Laporta. But due to the club's financial complications coupled with its struggles in working around La Liga's new adjusted salary cap number, Barca simply could not afford to keep the forward.

As many current and former Barca players are still digesting the blockbuster news, several of them have already taken to social media to bid their farewell to the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets opened up the tributes to Messi. The two notably won a trio of UEFA Champions League titles together at Barca.

In his lengthy message to the Argentine, Busquets noted:

“I can only thank you for what you have done for the club.”

Barca defender Gerard Pique also penned a heartfelt goodbye letter to his now-former club teammate via his official Twitter account. In his message, Pique noted:

“Now you are leaving, but I know that one day you will come back. There are pending things to do. Have fun, enjoy wherever you go and keep winning as only you know how to do. Here we will miss you. I love you Leo.”

Several former Barca players also shared messages via social media where they wished a final goodbye to Messi following his memorable run with the club. Among them were longtime Barca stars Carles Puyol and Xavi Hernandez.

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For now, Messi is expected to soon sign a free transfer deal with Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi leaves Barcelona with numerous club records, including the most goals scored (672) and trophies won (35).