Messi bids farewell to 'phenomenon' Vidal
Lionel Messi posted a message to departing Barcelona team-mate Arturo Vidal as the midfielder prepared to join Inter.
Vidal is set to be confirmed as a Nerazzurri player on Monday after the buying club posted updates on his arrival in Italy this weekend.
The 33-year-old, who previously played in Serie A for Juventus, is set for a €1million move after two years at Barca.
Vidal and Luis Suarez are close friends of Blaugrana captain Messi and were reportedly each told they could leave the club by new head coach Ronald Koeman.
Former Bayern Munich man Vidal has secured his exit, while Suarez's situation remains unclear, after Messi failed in his attempts to force through a transfer of his own.
As well as Manchester City, Messi – who wanted to be released from his contract – was linked with Vidal's new employers Inter.
He wrote to the Chilean on Instagram on Monday (AEST): "I only knew you from facing each other and you always seemed like a phenomenon to me, but later I was lucky to meet you personally and you surprised me even more.
View this post on Instagram Te conocía sólo de enfrentarnos y siempre me pareciste un fenómeno, pero después tuve la suerte de conocerte en lo personal y me sorprendiste más todavía. Fueron dos años compartiendo muchas cosas y te hiciste notar mucho, el vestuario te va a extrañar, @kingarturo23oficial. Te deseo todo lo mejor en esta nueva etapa en tu nuevo club. Nos volveremos a cruzar, seguro. 👍🏻💪🏻 A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Sep 20, 2020 at 1:31pm PDT
"They were two years sharing many things and you made yourself noticed. The dressing room is going to miss you.
"I wish you all the best in this new stage at your new club. We will cross paths again, for sure."
Vidal commented: "Thanks alien! I am proud to have played with the greatest in history and thank you very much for your friendship. I miss you. See you soon."
Vidal was part of the 2018-2019 LaLiga title-winning team at Camp Nou and scored 11 goals in 66 league games in total.
