The effect of selling Messi: See how much Barcelona will lose as fans return Messi jerseys

The aftermath of Lionel Messi leaving FC Barcelona has started in earnest. Dedicated fans of the club have returned the shirts of Lionel Messi that they've bought ahead of the new season. Lovers of the Argentine had started buying the Number 10 jersey of Lionel Messi ahead of the season. But the shock announcement that Messi would be leaving the club has sparked a series of returns of the jersey. 

FC Barcelona had started selling Messi merchandise from June 16th to the fans and many had bought the shirt of their favourites. With his exit, Barcelona would then have to return all the shirts to their kit sponsor, Nike. Though, this would not directly affect Barcelona since it's Nike that produces the shirts. 

However, there is an expected major fall in the number of shirt sales because according to statistics, Messi's shirts account for almost 80% of the shirt sales in Barcelona. A Nike representative commented that the kit maker hopes  new signing, Memphis Depay would help to assuage the losses from Messi's shirt sales. Nike hopes that at least 5 out of 10 shirts would be for Depay's shirt. 

Dutch international, Depay will wear the No 9 jersey at the Camp Nou. Fellow new signing Sergio Aguero would take the number 19 jersey ahead of the new season. Messi's incumbent number, 10, has not been assigned to any player yet and it is unknown what the club wants to do with it.