Lionel Messi has sent a heartfelt message to Barcelona fans as they celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary.
The Argentinian arrived at Barcelona at the age of 13 – his first youth contract scribbled on a restaurant napkin – and tore up the history books for 17 seasons.
He had a rather unceremonious departure in 2021, despite his 35 trophies and six Ballon d’Ors to date, and would have stayed had there not been a contract row.
Now he stars at Inter Miami, which he will lead to the Club World Cup next summer. During the big party he was asked about his emotions for the club.
“I miss you all very much, I hope we can see each other again soon and that you are proud to be part of the best club in the world,” the 37-year-old said Mundo Deportivo.
‘As a Barça player you can never settle for second place or not win because the members and the fans demand the most from you. To be the best club in the world, high standards are set.
Lionel Messi has told Barcelona fans 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 after leaving Barca for PSG in 2021.
Messi won 35 trophies during his time at Barcelona, as well as most of his eight Ballon d’Ors
‘I would like to see Barça win La Liga, the cup and also the Champions League again. And in the years when it is not possible, at least compete until the last moment.’
Messi’s career was launched by Frank Rijkaard, who gave him his debut in October 2004, but he is very grateful to Pep Guardiola and Ronaldinho for helping him 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 could never have imagined.
‘And Ronaldinho, because the way he welcomed me, how he helped me, was very useful for me during 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), who we miss enormously.’
Barcelona stars past and present came together last Friday evening to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary.
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 displayed ahead of his side’s 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, providing some clues as to when the recording was made.
But instead of saying a few words about the club where he won the European Cup as a player and manager, among other things, the Spaniard was seen taking part in the song ‘Aniversari’ by Catalan band Manel.
He named Pep Guardiola as one of the two most important influences on his football career
He also mentioned Ronaldinho ‘the way he welcomed me’ and ‘how he helped me’ at Barcelona
Stars from past and present came together to celebrate Barcelona’s 125th anniversary
The surreal performance lasted just over a minute and was received with thunderous applause by everyone in the main hall.
However, there was a less enthusiastic response from those on social media at this point, with one joking that the 53-year-old had been forced to do so against his will.
In reality, the song has a special meaning for Guardiola as it is said to be one of his personal favorites. Known for its monotone melody and the singer’s solemn expression, the cover was certainly a unique touch.
Due to City’s urgent 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 players, currently at the top of LaLiga, were all dressed appropriately for the occasion, with club president Joan Laporta taking the place of honour. There were additional video clips of Messi, Neymar, Suarez and Romario.
The club also unveiled a new mascot, creatively named ‘Cat’, which was created by famous Catalan siblings Carlos and Jordi Grangel to mark the Blaugrana’s 125th anniversary.