Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who spent 21 remarkable years at Barcelona, expressed his nostalgia for the club as they celebrated their 125th anniversary.
In an interview with TV3, Messi congratulated Barça on their milestone and spoke of the honor he felt being part of such a prestigious institution. As the all-time leading appearance maker and goal scorer for Barcelona, he scored a staggering 672 goals in 778 games.
Reflecting on the club’s founding by Joan Gamper in 1899, Messi acknowledged how fortunate he was to have been led to Barcelona by destiny. He described it as a “wonderful club” and emphasized its uniqueness compared to others in modern football. Despite the challenges faced by the club in recent times, Messi expressed his pride in seeing the young talents representing Barça’s first team.
Expressing his longing for Barcelona, Messi professed his deep affection for the city, its people, and the warm reception he received throughout his time there. He also expressed his hope that the club would continue to thrive and grow even further.
Since its inception, Barcelona has secured an impressive total of 36 LaLiga and Liga F titles along with eight UEFA Champions League trophies across both men’s and women’s teams. Messi played a pivotal role in winning 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
When asked about his favorite moment at Barcelona, Messi fondly recalled the incredible success of 2009 when they clinched six trophies: LaLiga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Supercopa, and Club World Cup. He cherished every training session and game during that extraordinary year when confidence ran high within the team.
To commemorate their anniversary, Barça organized a grand gala at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, located near La Rambla in Barcelona. This exclusive event invited around 2,000 guests, including individuals with deep connections to the club’s illustrious history.
Hansi Flick, the current first team coach, expressed his awe and admiration for Barcelona during a news conference on the occasion. Having taken charge in the summer, Flick marveled at the club’s impressive infrastructure and the freedom he and his coaching staff enjoyed. He acknowledged how kind and welcoming the fans were towards him and his team, describing it as a pleasure to work for “more than a club.”
Flick eagerly anticipated attending the anniversary celebration alongside his players, emphasizing that it would provide them with a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s rich history.
As Barcelona celebrated their glorious 125-year journey, Lionel Messi’s heartfelt sentiments and Hansi Flick’s appreciation for the club highlighted its enduring legacy and significance in world football.