Between trying to compose himself, wiping away tears and facing a long standing ovation, it took Lionel Messi more than a minute to start his farewell news conference on Sunday at FC Barcelona, where the Argentine has spent all of his playing career.

"I don't know if I am going to be able to speak," were his first words, tears running down his cheeks. This is without doubt the most difficult moment of my career," he said.

-Reuters -