Lionel Messi has sent a heartfelt message to Barcelona fans as they celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary.
The Argentinian joined Barca aged 13 – his first youth contract scrawled on a restaurant napkin – and tore up the history books for 17 seasons.
He had a rather unceremonious exit in 2021, despite his 35 trophies and six Ballon d’Ors up to that point, and would have stayed were it not for a contract wrangle.
Now shining at Inter Miami, who he will lead to the Club World Cup next summer, he was asked about his emotions for the club amid their big celebration.
‘I miss you all very much, I hope we can see each other again soon and that you feel proud to be part of the best club in the world,’ the 37-year-old told Mundo Deportivo.
‘As a Barca player, you can never settle for being second or not winning, because the members and the fans demand the most from you. Being the best club in the world entails very high demands.
Lionel Messi has told Barcelona fans that he misses them ‘very much’ and hopes to ‘see each other again soon’
The 37-year-old is currently plying his trade at Inter Miami, having left Barca for PSG in 2021
Messi won 35 trophies during his time at Barcelona but and most of his eight Ballon d’Ors
‘I would love 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.’
Messi’s career was launched by Frank Rijkaard, who handed him his debut in October 2004, but he is most grateful to Pep Guardiola and Ronaldinho for helping him to develop.
‘I think there are two that have had a big impact on me for different reasons. Pep, because I had him as a coach for many years and we achieved incredible things that we would never have imagined.
‘And Ronaldinho, because the way he welcomed me, how he helped me, was very useful to me in my first moments in the first team.
‘I also remember Andres (Iniesta) and Xavi as teammates, and the three who play with me here in Miami (Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez), who are also friends. And of course, a special mention for Tito Vilanova (former manager who died in 2014), whom we miss so much.’
Barcelona stars of the past and present came together last Friday night to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club.
A pre-recorded video of Guardiola was beamed into the Gran Teatre del Liceu, with the presence of the scar on his nose, which he sported ahead of his side’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord, providing some clues as to when it was filmed.
But rather than say a few words about the club where he won, among other things, the European Cup as a player and a manager, the Spaniard was seen miming along to the song ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel.
He named Pep Guardiola as one of the two major influences on his footballing career
He also credited Ronaldinho for ‘the way he welcomed me’ and ‘how he helped me’ at Barca
Stars of past and present came together to celebrate Barcelona’s 125th anniversary
The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was met with rapturous applause by all in the grand auditorium.
There was, however, a less enthusiastic response from those on social media to the moment, with some joking that the 53-year-old had been forced into it against his will.
In truth, the song holds special significance for Guardiola, as it is reportedly one of his personal favourites. Known for its monotone melody and the singer’s solemn expression, the cover was certainly a unique touch.
Owing to City’s pressing commitments, Guardiola was unable to attend the ceremony in person unlike the likes of Frank Rijkaard, Hristo Stoichkov, Xavi Hernandez and Patrick Kluivert.
Barcelona’s current crop of players, who currently sit top of LaLiga, were all suitably attired for the occasion, while club president Joan Laporta took pride of place. There were additional video clips from Messi, Neymar, Suarez and Romario.
The club also unveiled a new mascot, creatively called ‘Cat’ that had been created by famed Catalan siblings Carlos and Jordi Grangel to mark the Blaugrana’s 125th birthday.
