Lionel Messi has once again spoken warmly about his unforgettable years at FC Barcelona. He reflected on the trophies, friendships and unique style of football that made his time at the club so special.
According to EFE (h/t [Diario SPORT](https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/futbol-internacional/messi-barca-ganamos-manera-hacerlo-135636158)), the Argentine superstar shared his memories ahead of receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo on Friday.
He described Barcelona as the club of his life.
Messi looked back on sharing the dressing room with legends such as Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol, explaining that their success was about much more than collecting trophies. He said:
**“We were lucky enough to win everything, but also the way we did it, how much we enjoyed playing, winning and achieving important things.”**
**“But above all, how much we enjoyed everyday life, training sessions. We had a really good time.”**
Those words perfectly capture what made Barcelona’s greatest era so memorable. The team did not simply dominate opponents through individual brilliance.
They developed a footballing identity that made winning feel like a natural consequence of enjoying the game.
Messi also explained his emotional connection to the club and the city, where his three children were born. He said:
**“It is difficult to sum up in a few words what Barcelona means because it is part of my life and the club of my life.”**
He added that he has **“a very, very special affection for the city and the club.”**
Messi’s reflections are another reminder that the club’s greatest achievement was not simply assembling a generation of exceptional footballers.
It was creating an environment where extraordinary talent, friendship and a shared understanding of football came together.
That is also why Messi’s words remain relevant to today’s Barcelona. With young players carrying forward the club’s identity, the challenge is not merely to win trophies but to do so while playing a certain way.
Messi’s career has taken him far beyond Camp Nou, but his attachment to Barcelona clearly remains strong every time he speaks about the club.
That is the most beautiful part of his legacy. Even after winning everything, what he remembers most fondly is how much they enjoyed playing together.