Carles Puyol has reacted to reports that Lionel Messi has asked to leave Barcelona. The news has stunned the footballing world.

What happened?

On Tuesday, multiple reports indicated that the 33-year-old star has asked the club to allow him to activate a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave on a free transfer this summer.

Puyol expressed his admiration for the player he once called team-mate. The former Barca star took to social media to pay tribute to Messi's iconic career at Barcelona.

Why it matters for Carles Puyol

The Argentine's potential departure became an even bigger talking point following an 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Carles Puyol's reaction is significant as he is a former team-mate and a legend at the club.

Luis Suarez also responded to the news, adding further legitimacy to the idea that Messi could actually be on his way out of Barcelona. The Uruguyan striker himself has been the subject of transfer rumours.

What comes next?

The future of Messi is uncertain, with reports indicating that he has been unhappy with Barcelona's direction in recent years. Carles Puyol's tribute to Messi's career at Barcelona is a reminder of the player's achievements at the club.

The reaction to the news has been swift, with many taking aim at Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu and Barcelona's board for their part in the club's recent issues. Carles Puyol's admiration for Messi is clear, and his reaction is a significant one in the footballing world.

The news of Messi's potential departure is a huge story, and Carles Puyol's reaction is just one part of it. The future of Barcelona and Messi is uncertain, and the reaction of former players like Puyol is significant.

The transfer window is open, and the future of many players is uncertain. Carles Puyol's reaction to the news is a reminder that the footballing world is always full of surprises.

The news of Messi's potential departure has sparked a huge reaction across the footballing world. Carles Puyol's admiration for the player is clear, and his reaction is a significant one.

The future of Barcelona is uncertain, and the reaction of former players like Carles Puyol is significant. The news of Messi's potential departure is a huge story, and one that will continue to unfold in the coming days and weeks.