He is leaving after 17 successful seasons in which he propelled the Catalan club to glory, helping it win numerous domestic and international titles since debuting as a teenager.
Messi posted a photo of himself with the Copa America title after Argentina outclassed Brazil in the finals earlier this month. As a result of winning Copa America, Messi recorded his first international title with Argentina.
The message, posted on social media, came less than a day after the Albiceleste beat Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium, ending Argentina's 28-year wait for a major trophy on Sunday.
He might not have scored in the finals of Copa America but Messi was in red hot form in the ongoing tournament having scored the joint highest four goals in Copa America 2021.
Barcelona was hopeful of renewing Messi's contract before the June 30 deadline, however it has not been yet and as a result, the 34-year-old is now officially a free agent, reported Goal.com.
The 36-year-old Chhetri has brushed aside any comparison with Messi whom he has overtaken to be the second highest international goal-scorer among active players.
Barcelona's sixth league win in a row lifted it back into second place at seven points behind Spanish league leader Atlético Madrid, which has two more games to play.
According to Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Messi would receive a maximum of 55,52,37,619 euros ($67,39,19,105) over four seasons, if a series of conditions were met.
The esteemed line-up includes Brazil's three-time World Cup winner Pele and legendary Argentinian Diego Maradona, who died last month of a heart-attack.
Messi took off Barcelona's blue-and-burgundy to reveal the red-and-black of Maradona's jersey from his stint at Newell's Old Boys duirng a match against Osasuna
In 58th minute, Giovani Lo Celso pulled the ball back for captain Messi to sidefoot low into the net, but the goal was eventually disallowed by the Brazilian officials for a foul by Gonzalez at the beginning of the move
