After Andres Iniesta confirmed his Barcelona departure on Friday, Lionel Messi paid tribute to his teammate on social media.
The Argentina international used his Instagram account to dedicate a warm message towards the Blaugrana captain, who has been his teammate for almost two decades.
"Andres, thank you for all these years of football. It was a privilege to enjoy this sport by your side and spend so many unforgettable moments together," Messi wrote.
"I wish you all of the best in this new sporting adventure for you and in your life.
"You are a phenomenon, both on and off the field."
Before posting that message, Messi had been absent, along with Luis Suarez, from Iniesta's press conference announcement, with Barcelona explaining that their absences were due to both men having private affairs to deal with.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Messi's absence was due to the fact that he had an appointment to renew his and his family's passports on Friday.
