Messi was more than just a great player. He made millions fall in love with football, and brought others back to the game after they had stopped watching, simply to see what he would do with the ball.

For years, he brought a sense of wonder, joy, and magic to the game. With his departure, it is not just a player who is leaving, but a part of the passion that connected an entire generation to football — leaving behind a void that will not be easy to fill.