Lionel Messi, the football icon who spent much of his career at FC Barcelona, shared heartfelt words on the club’s 125th anniversary.
Despite now playing in Miami, Messi’s bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Argentine star reflected on the club’s history, its greatest moments, and his hope for a future reunion.
Messi began by highlighting milestones he didn’t experience firsthand but acknowledged as pivotal in the club’s history: the club’s founding, the construction of the iconic Camp Nou, and Johan Cruyff’s era as a player and coach. He also mentioned Barcelona’s first European Cup victory in 1992 under Cruyff.
Moving to his own memories, he praised Pep Guardiola’s era, Ronaldinho’s impact on the 2005-06 Champions League, and the historic treble under Luis Enrique.
“Barcelona has always been home to the best players,” Messi noted, recalling legends like Cruyff, Ronaldinho, Maradona, and Puyol. He also paid tribute to players from earlier eras, such as Cesar, Kubala, and others immortalized in Serrat’s song: “Basora, Cesar, Kubala, Moreno, and Manchón.”
For Messi, certain individuals had a profound personal impact. “Guardiola shaped me as a player during our incredible years together.
Ronaldinho welcomed me with open arms when I joined the first team and guided me during those early days.”
He also expressed admiration for his longtime teammates Xavi, Iniesta, and close friends Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, who now share the pitch with him in Miami. He also made a heartfelt mention of Tito Vilanova, saying, “We miss him greatly.”
To Barcelona fans, Messi’s message was full of warmth and longing: “I miss you a lot. I hope we can meet again soon. Be proud of being part of the best club in the world.”
Though Messi’s career now takes him on a new journey in Miami, his deep affection for Barcelona and its supporters is as strong as ever. Fans can only hope his wish for a reunion comes true someday.
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