The news that Lionel Messi has asked to leave FC Barcelona sent shockwaves far beyond the world of football in Spain, a nation where he has been adopted as so much more than just a sublimely talented sportsman.

Messi, widely seen as the best footballer in the world but with an unassuming personality eschewing the trappings of stardom beloved by his biggest rival Ronaldo, has become a symbol of genius for many Spaniards – even those who do not support the club.

FC Barcelona’s motto is “more than a club”, but, equally, Messi’s might be “more than a player”.