"It's been a pleasure to play alongside you, we didn't always agree on everything, we both wanted what was best for the team"-Ter Stegen's farewell message to Lionel Messi confirms rift with Lionel Messi

Marc Andre Ter Stegen has bid his farewell to Lionel Messi who has confirmed his exit from Barcelona.

The 34 years old is now a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Barcelona after 21 years spell at the Camp Nou.

Meanwhile the Barcelona goalkeeper farewell message to Messi has hinted about a rumoured rift between the two players.

According to the publication, the deterioration of the players' relationship was started by Messi's voting in the FIFA Best Awards in December of 2020. The Argentine voted for Keylor Navas, Manuel Neuer and Jan Oblak ahead of Ter Stegen in the 'Best Goalkeeper' category, a move which is said to have angered Barcelona's shot-stopper.

In the Germany number one goalkeeper, The second paragraph is the one that seriously hints at rifts between the pair at Barcelona.

He wrote: "Leo, it's been a pleasure to play alongside you for all these years, sharing many happy times together in the form of moments and titles.

"While we didn't always agree on everything, we both wanted what was best for the team and managed to grow as individuals, regardless of the result. Thanks for that!

"You made history with the club of your life, and you'll go down in history as a true legend of football. Something that no other player will ever get close to. You changed football.

"I wish you and your family the very best for whatever lies ahead.

"A big hug from Dani and Ben, too."