Lionel Messi has done the unthinkable by parting ways with Barcelona. However, will the La Liga giant be the same without him? Here's what Gerard Pique had to say.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is no longer a Barcelona player and would now be serving Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, fans still find it hard to believe that his 21-year-long career at Camp Nou has come to an end.
While Barcelona is off to a winning start in the 2021-22 La Liga, it is being wondered if the club has what it takes to remain on top in the tournament, or will it be the same without the Argentine. In the same light, Barca defender Gerard Pique was still optimistic about the club's chances despite Messi's departure.
Speaking to Movistar, Pique said that Messi is still the most vital player in the club's history. However, everything has an end, and the club needs to move on. He also feels that the club continues to possess high levels, and it could still be highly competitive, as he was sure that the side would continue to fight until the end for titles.
Pique admitted that without Messi, the club lacks the talent it had before. However, he feels that the team is still united, including the ability to score goals consistently. He is also confident that despite its defence being shaky, it is still good enough to challenge for titles. He feels that Barca will have fun this season.
La Liga has introduced a new financial structure, leading to it missing out on Messi's renewal. Furthermore, Barca's reported debt of around €1 billion has compelled its players to take pay cuts.
Speaking further on the pay cut, Pique reckoned, "It is what I had to try to do, I think. I want to worry that we've been in touch with the opposite captains over the salary cut and that I know they'll take an equivalent step shortly. It's just an issue of timing. I had to be the primary to try to do it quickly due to the registration issue."
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