How Twitter reacted to the bombshell news that Messi has handed in a transfer request

Lionel Messi has shocked the footballing world by announcing he wants out of Barcelona, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner handing in a transfer request at the Camp Nou following a turbulent period for the Spanish giants.

As ever, the headline news swiftly prompted a frenzy of responses in the world of social media, and we’ve decided to bring you the best Twitter reaction from Messi’s bombshell in Barcelona:

It’s fair to say that the decision hasn’t gone down well with Barcelona fans…

? “Messi is not leaving”

? “The board is to blame for all this”

? “It really is the worst decade in history”

Barcelona fans are NOT happy ? pic.twitter.com/RbImn9sqfP

— Goal (@goal) August 26, 2020

Though there are many who feel Messi’s transfer request is simply a powerplay from the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to oust the Barcelona board, with some notable former players confident we haven’t seen the last of the Argentine at the Camp Nou.

"I also see that it is very difficult or impossible for any team to pay for the contract that Messi has today."

Both Luis Figo and Ronaldo still believe Lionel Messi will be playing at the Camp Nou for Barcelona next season. ? pic.twitter.com/yMhnraaVZx

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 26, 2020

Could Leo follow Leo in making a dramatic U-turn?

Messi after Bartomeu and the entire board resign tomorrow#Messi pic.twitter.com/vdc11Qfp4z

— Joaquin (@j_okoth_) August 25, 2020

Attentions have quickly turned to Messi’s next destination, however, and not that you needed it, here is a reminder of what the six-time Ballon d’Or winner could bring to his potential suitors.

Lionel Messi in Europe's top five divisions since 2017-18:

❍ Most goals
❍ Most assists
❍ Most goals from outside the box
❍ Most direct free-kicks scored
❍ Most take-ons completed
❍ Most big chances created
❍ Most through balls
❍ Most final ⅓ passes

You get the idea. pic.twitter.com/lXqxwuqMqf

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 25, 2020

Could we see Messi and Ronaldo implausibly unite in Turin, the tedious comparisons ended as the two generational rivals play out one final chapter together at Juventus?

Messi and Ronaldo fans uniting if they both play for the same team next season pic.twitter.com/9eIKEDmhnU

— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) August 26, 2020

Or could the Premier League be Messi’s next venture, where we’ll finally find out if the world’s finest footballer can handle a cold, windy night at (insert unfashionable UK location).

Manchester City appear the favourites to secure his signing with Pep Guardiola’s presence at the Etihad a pivotal part of the club’s pulling power, the Spaniard desperate to bring Messi’s magic to Manchester.

Pep Guardiola running to tell the Sheikhs to buy Messi after hearing he wants to leave Barcelona.pic.twitter.com/qPEQRHZhX7

— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) August 25, 2020

#ManchesterCity after hearing #Messi is leaving Barca??? pic.twitter.com/xvZPkMbfFi

— Ms_Mabhayi (@MabhayiMs) August 26, 2020

Though we’re sure Guardiola will leave Kyle Walker out of the welcoming party.

Kyle Walker has already invited Messi to his upcoming sex party

— Bluemoon Hub (@bluemoonhub) August 26, 2020

City may look like a likely destination in what would be the story of the summer, though the red half of the city haven’t ruled out the prospect of Messi lining up at Old Trafford next season.

https://twitter.com/SemperFiUnited/status/1298544284296073221

Though let’s spare a thought for poor Jesse Lingard, it seems even the most shocking story in football can’t keep the midfielder out of the firing line as a figure of fun.

Hopping on the Messi to United bandwagon pic.twitter.com/fvhpN5kWQO

— Ireland Simpsons Fans (@iresimpsonsfans) August 26, 2020

Messi when he's through on goal and Jesse Lingard asks him to square the ball to him. ?? pic.twitter.com/8vBCD99H6h

— WelBeast (@WelBeast) August 25, 2020

Though the king of the jokes unquestionably remains Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller, who is unlikely to let this sort of free material pass him by easily.

Punny, right?