It started with Lionel Messi, who was sad to say goodbye to the club he had known for so many years. Then it ended with Joan Gamper's annual trophy clash against Messi's great rival Cristiano Rosso and Juventus. August 8, 2021 will be remembered in Barcelona's history.Messi timeline: Barcelona's 20-year history broken downStream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (only in the U.S.)- Do you not have ESPN? Get instant accessSunday at noon CEST, Lionel Messi left Barcelona and stepped onto the podium. AP Photo/Joan MonfortBarca teammates sat by Messi as the club's greatest player struggled to speak. Andreu Dalmau/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockBarcelona was a success during Messi's tenure at the club. This picture will tell the story. Eric Alonso/Getty ImagesBarcelona fans, outside of Camp Nou were still trying to come to terms with their hero's departure. Pau Barrena/AFP/Getty ImagesMany people only remember the Argentinean star wearing the No. 10 shirt. Robert Bonet/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesBarcelona fans were filled with emotion as their idol spoke in the stadium. Robert Bonet/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesRonald Koeman, Barca coach, promised to bring joy to fans despite Messi's departure. GettyThe post-Messi era got off to a winning start with Memphis Depay playing against Juve. Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty ImagesMemphis scored first and Martin Braithwaite doubled the lead. Joan Monfort/AP PhotoCristiano Ronaldo did not have the opportunity to make any difference during his 45 minutes of action. GettyBarca won the ninth consecutive Gamper trophy. But the game will always be remembered for the man who wasn't there. Pau Barrena/Getty ImagesSupporters were able to smile after Sunday's 3-0 win, but it may be some time before they truly feel the joy again. This was the day Lionel Messi, the ex-Barcelona player, said goodbye to the club he had ever known.
