Lionel Messi praises Sergio Busquets after midfielder confirmed he will leave Barcelona

Lionel Messi has praised Sergio Busquets after it was confirmed that the midfielder will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

While at Barcelona, ​​Messi made 567 appearances with Busquets, more than any other player in his career.

The pair won a string of trophies together, including three Champions Leagues, eight LaLiga titles and seven Copa del Reys.

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

“I wish you the best in your new phase and always, both you and your family.

“Thank you for on and off the pitch, there were so many moments we spent together, many good ones and some complicated ones too… They will be forever!

‘Big hug, @5sergiob’.

There have been suggestions that Messi and Busquets could be reunited at Saudi Arabian Al-Hilal.

Messi is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain, but his father Jorge denied that a deal has already been made with Al-Hilal that would see the star earn £522 million a year.

Jorge wrote on social media: ‘There is absolutely nothing with a club for next year. The decision will never be made until Lionel has finished the competition with PSG.

“Once the season is over, it’s time to analyze and see what’s out there and then make a decision. There are always rumors and many use the name Lionel to gain fame, but the truth is only one and we can assure that nothing is wrong with anyone. Neither verbally, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.

“It seems to me a lack of respect for the media where they respond, that there are people who knowingly and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims, and want to turn into news any malicious rumor or that is directed by someone in ten in favor of their interests.’

Busquets made 719 appearances for Barcelona since breaking into the first team in 2008.

There have been suggestions that Busquets could be reunited with Messi at Al-Hilal

Messi and Busquets enjoyed great success together during their time at Barcelona

The 34-year-old Busquets will expire at the end of June and will move to new pastures.

Although Barcelona offered Busquets a new contract, it would have resulted in him taking a 70 per cent pay cut.

Busquets has a tax-free offer of around £13 million per season to join Al-Hilal.

There are suggestions that Al-Hilal is also interested in signing another Barcelona player, defender Jordi Alba.