Real Madrid ace explains why Barcelona will eventually move on from Messi

The departure of Lionel Messi from Barcelona last year shocked the entire footballing world.

The 34-year-old had spent his entire career at Camp Nou and had played a huge role in their success over the last decade, firmly establishing himself as one of the finest in the game ever.

So, it came as a shock when Barça let his contract run down and then failed to extend his deal due to the financial complications at the club. Messi, for his part, made significant efforts to try and prolong his stay at his boyhood club but it was not to be.

In the end, the Argentine captain signed for Paris Saint-Germain, reuniting with close friend and former Barcelona teammate Neymar.

While Messi has found the transition hard, it has not been smooth-sailing for Barcelona either, who had to adjust to the reality of the 34-year-old not being there at the club anymore. However, recent results under Xavi Hernandez have shown that the team is headed in the right direction.

And Real Madrid mainstay, Casemiro, has claimed that the Catalan giants will eventually move on from the Messi era and taste success, comparing the situation to Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the Santiago Bernabeu a few years ago.

In an interview with Panenka magazine, the Brazilian enforcer said: “Barça must adapt to this new reality [without Messi]. And Barça will do it, for sure just like Real did. Because these clubs are the biggest in the world and have always had the best in history.”

Barcelona are making positive strides on the pitch in recent weeks. Even though there have been setbacks in the form of the Champions League and Copa del Rey exits, Xavi & co. are progressing well in the league.

Recently, the Blaugrana thrashed arch-rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 to break into the top four of La Liga. And they will be hoping to continue in the same vein of form when they face off against local rivals Espanyol in the Catalan derby next.