Lionel Messi thanks Ernesto Valverde in latest Instagram post

The Spanish boss left Barcelona just two days ago.

Now Lionel Messi has thanked his former boss and wished him good luck for the future.

Lionel Messi has wished Ernesto Valverde luck for the future after the coach left Barcelona, calling his former boss a “top professional and top person.” Barca, following a defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana, decided to part ways with Valverde on Monday, with Quique Setien swiftly named as his replacement.

Former Athletic Bilbao boss Valverde took over Barca in 2017 and guided the club to successive LaLiga titles plus a Copa del Rey success. However, a dramatic capitulation to Liverpool in last season’s Champions League semi-finals, followed by a defeat to Valencia in the Copa del Rey final, put Valverde under scrutiny and, despite being top of La Liga, Barca fired the coach after missing out on another title in the form of the Supercopa.

Messi, who scored 112 goals in all competitions under Valverde, has now given his thanks to the Spaniard, who the forward is confident will thrive in his next job.

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