Lionel Messi has given a lot of convenience to play for Barcelona. Sergino Dest thinks that now Barcelona must find another level after the departure of Messi.
Barcelona failed to retain Messi due to financial problems. La Pulga has now gone to Paris Saint-Germain and signed a contract until 2023.
Messi has helped Barcelona win many titles. Among them there are 10 LaLiga titles, four Champions League trophies, seven Copa del Rey, to three Club World Cup titles.
Lionel Messi's departure from Barcelona took Dest by surprise. The Barcelona defender doesn't want one of the best players in the world to leave Camp Nou.
"I was a little surprised because everyone wanted him to stay at the club. He's the best player in the world. It surprised everyone. We hoped he could stay. Unfortunately, he couldn't," Dest told ESPN.
Barcelona now have to adapt without the presence of Messi. Dest insisted that the Blaugrana must reach a new level without the presence of the 34-year-old.
"We have some work to do because with Messi it's easier, he's the best player in the world. But I think if we play collectively and keep the chemistry high, we can achieve a lot."
"On the training ground and on the pitch you see unbelievable things. You see how he scores those goals. What you see on the pitch is the same, even when you are that close. It's unbelievable to see him like that."
"We all have him in our hearts. That's Messi. It feels strange because he played so long at this club, almost all his life, and suddenly he has to leave. But we have to focus on the new season," Dest insisted.