Despite Lionel Messi's exit, Barcelona confident of good season: Coach Ronald Koeman

Hours after Lionel Messi's tearful departure press conference, Barcelona were back on the pitch, to beat Juventus in a friendly. Coach Ronald Koeman said he is happy with how the squad looks even without their iconic player

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is looking ahead with optimism. An era has come to an end at the Catalan club as their biggest superstar, Lionel Messi confirmed in a tearful press conference on Sunday that he would be leaving the club. Lionel Messi, unlike the 2019-20 season where he wanted to leave the club, had expressed interest to extend his deal by 5 years while taking a 50 percent pay cut. However, the club debt and inability to meet the financial fair play regulations of the Spanish league made it impossible for Messi to stay with Barcelona.