Barcelona legend, Lionel Messi has reacted to captain Sergio Busquets’ departure from the Catalan club.

Barcelona had earlier announced the departure of Busquets.

Busquets, a club legend, will exit Barcelona as a free agent at the end of the season, having had an illustrious 18 years at the Blaugrana.

Reacting, Messi, in a tweet via his Instagram account on Wednesday, wished Busquets all the best in the new stage of his career.

Messi wrote, “We came here tonight to try and win, but I think it shows our character to go a goal down and come back. In the end, it was a fair result.”

“On the field, always with the 5 but in reality, as a player and as a person, you are a 10, Busi.

“I wish you the best in your new stage and always, both to you and to your entire family.

“Thank you for what’s on and off the field, there were so many moments we spent together, many good ones and some also complicated ones… They will remain forever! Big hug, @5sergiob.”

Messi and Busquets were former teammates at Barcelona for many years.

Busquets won eight LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues during his time at Barca.

The Spaniard is expected to move to Saudi Arabia to join Al Hilal, which is fuelling speculation that he could reunite with Messi.