Lionel Messi shared in an interview with Goal about his family’s reaction when they learned he intended to leave Barca.

Messi’s family. (Photo: Marca)

In an interview with Goal, Lionel Messi said he will continue to stay at Barca because he does not want to enter a legal battle with the team he loves.

Previously, the Argentine superstar shocked the football world when he sent a fax to the club announcing his desire to leave.

The intention to leave the Nou Camp not only shocked fans but also caused Messi’s family to experience a tragedy, as the 33-year-old player said.

“When I told my wife and children that I was leaving Barca, it was a tragedy. The whole family burst into tears, the children did not want to leave Barcelona nor change schools,” Lionel Messi recalled.

“Mateo is still young, he cannot imagine specifically what it will be like to move to another place and start a new life for a few years.

Thiago is older. He heard something on TV and started asking questions. I didn’t want him to know about moving, changing schools and making new friends.

He kept crying and begging me not to move. I repeat this is really hard. Of course. This is a very difficult decision.

My children, my family grew up in Barcelona. No one wanted to leave this city. Unfortunately, I had to go, for the good of the club and everyone.