Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the greatest player ever to grace the pitch for FC Barcelona and the most extraordinary talent La Masia has produced.
For years, he symbolised the dreams of millions, becoming an icon not just for Barcelona fans but for football enthusiasts worldwide.
His time at the club redefined what it meant to be a Barça player, setting a benchmark that may never be surpassed.
As the club celebrated their 125th anniversary, Messi shared his reflections with Mundo Deportivo, reminiscing about the highlights and individuals that shaped the rich history of the Catalan club.
His words resonate deeply, coming from someone who spent 21 unforgettable years with Barça, arriving as a 13-year-old dreamer and leaving as a legend at 34.
Messi’s journey at Barcelona was a testament to hard work, loyalty, and brilliance. He joined La Masia, the club’s famous youth academy, as a shy teenager from Rosario, Argentina.
Over the years, he grew into the club’s beating heart, leading Barcelona to unparalleled success. However, his departure in 2021 marked one of the most heartbreaking chapters in Barça’s history.
Forced to leave due to financial constraints and the club’s inability to renew his contract, Messi bid an emotional farewell to the place he called home for over two decades. Yet, his love for the club and its fans remains unwavering.
Messi still misses Barcelona
Lionel Messi misses Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
When asked about what message he would send to Barcelona fans, Messi’s response was heartfelt and filled with nostalgia. “I miss you all very much,” he admitted.
“I hope we can see each other again soon and that you feel proud to be part of the best club in the world.”
These simple yet profound words echo the deep bond he shares with the Blaugrana faithful. For Messi, Barcelona is more than just a football club—it is a family, a way of life, and a symbol of excellence.
Reflecting on the club’s legacy, Messi expressed his hopes for Barcelona’s future. “I hope that the club can return to what it always was,” he shared.
“As well as being a world reference, which it never stopped being, always fighting to win titles until the end of each season.”
He emphasised the importance of maintaining the club’s competitive spirit, stating that settling for second-best is not an option for a club of Barcelona’s stature.
“Being the best club in the world entails very high demands,” he added, wishing to see “Barça win La Liga, the Cup and also the Champions League again. And in the years that it can’t, at least compete until the last moment.”
Barça will always be Messi’s home
Messi still thinks of Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
As the conversation turned reflective, one cannot help but recall the immense void Messi left behind.
His departure was not just the end of an era; it was the loss of a player who epitomised the soul of Barcelona.
The sight of Messi in tears during his farewell press conference remains etched in the memories of fans worldwide.
It was a moment of collective heartbreak, symbolising the challenges the club faced and the sacrifices made along the way.
For Barcelona fans, Messi will always be more than a player—he is a symbol of hope, joy, and unity.
His achievements on the pitch are unmatched, but it is his humility and love for the club that makes him truly irreplaceable.
As Barça move forward, striving to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of football, Messi’s legacy will continue to inspire players and fans alike.
And while his chapter at Barcelona may have ended, the bond he shares with the club and its supporters remains eternal.