Australian goalkeeper Maty Ryan was looking forward to facing Lionel Messi again in Spain following his move to Real Sociedad last month.
Barcelona's inability to re-sign him however saw the Argentine star seal a move to PSG this week with Ryan denied his chance at redemption.
In February 2016, the Socceroos shot-stopper was on the wrong end of a hat-trick from Lionel Messi as the Catalan side claimed a 7-0 win over Valencia in the Copa Del Rey semi-finals.
Ryan has gained plenty of experience since then, notably with Brighton in the Premier League, and conceded he was disappointed by Messi's sudden Barca exit.
"That's football. It's the world we live in. I obviously don't need to be here singing his praises - what he's done in his career does that tenfold," Ryan said via a La Liga press conference with Australian media on Wednesday.
"I was looking forward to coming up against him this season and it's a bit of a shame that it won't be the case now but it is what it is and he's on to his next challenge.
"We're going to have our hands full here with the challenges we're facing so that's all we can control and our focus is on that."
After Arsenal declined any interest in signing Ryan permanently folllowing his loan spell at the Emirates last season, the 29-year-old opted to return to Spain with Real Sociedad.
The Aussie was handed an early setback in his quest for the No.1 position however when he injured his knee in training late last month and required surgery.
Ryan is hopeful of returning to the pitch by the end of August and is determined to be fit in time for the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against China on September 2 with a venue for that clash still to be decided.
"Originally they told me four weeks from when I had the surgery done and I always had me eye on coming back a bit earlier than that. How it's gone so far I think I'm on track," Ryan said.
"Part of my motivation to get back is for that Socceroos game. It's an important phase coming up for us now and I've set my eye on being fit for that. I'm confident that I will be fit for it.
"At this stage, I haven't heard too much about where that game is going to be played."