Still can't believe he left — Barcelona star Pedri opens up on Messi exit

Pedri has revealed his huge surprise to find out Lionel Messi had left the club back in 2021.

Messi, who grew up in Barcelona’s youth system, became the best player for the team, Spain, and the world. But in 2021, he left as a free agent because the club couldn’t afford to keep him.

Pedri moved from Las Palmas to Barcelona in 2019 and played with Messi for two seasons.

Looking back, the 22-year-old told France Football, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, “I always passed the ball to Messi. Clearly, he was better than me. It was a shock when Leo left the club.

"I was playing in the Olympics, and I found it hard to believe.”

After Barcelona, Messi joined PSG, winning the French league twice in two years. In 2023, he moved to Inter Miami from PSG as a free agent, starting a new chapter in his career.

Meanwhile, Pedri has gone on to become one of the world's best midfielders and a vital cog in the wheel of a Barcelona team that won a domestic treble last season.

He has continued his fine form this season, and any hopes of a successful Barcelona campaign hinge on his availability.