In a heartfelt tribute to his former club, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has expressed his immense pride in Barcelona’s scintillating performances under the leadership of new coach Hansi Flick. The Catalan giants have taken LaLiga and the Champions League by storm, showcasing a rejuvenated style of play that has left fans and pundits in awe.
Speaking to TV3, Messi marveled at the team’s achievements, emphasizing the integral role played by the club’s academy graduates. “This Barça side is spectacular, although it doesn’t surprise me,” the Argentine maestro revealed. “It’s always happened, or at least since I arrived at the club as a 13-year-old.”
La Masia Magic
Barcelona’s famed youth academy, La Masia, has long been a source of pride for the club and its supporters. Under Flick’s guidance, the latest crop of homegrown talent has seamlessly integrated into the first team, playing a pivotal role in the club’s resurgence.
“It’s spectacular that the kids have had chances in the last two years and, when you put confidence in them, this is how they respond because they know the club better than anyone,” Messi enthused.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner attributes the youngsters’ success to their deep understanding of the club’s philosophy and the trust placed in them by the coaching staff. “They are used to playing this way since they were little. If you give them the opportunity, these things happen, as happened in our era,” he added.
Flick’s Admiration
Hansi Flick, who took over the reins at Barcelona in the summer, has been quick to acknowledge Messi’s kind words. In a press conference ahead of the team’s LaLiga clash against Celta Vigo, the German tactician expressed his gratitude for the recognition from a player widely regarded as the greatest of all time.
“It’s an honour that the best player from Barça in the [club’s] history says this and that he follows how the team is playing and how the young players are playing,” Flick beamed. “He is always with his whole heart in this club and it means a lot for us and the whole team.”
Messi’s Enduring Legacy
Lionel Messi’s impact on Barcelona is unparalleled. During his illustrious career spanning over two decades, the diminutive forward made a staggering 778 appearances for the club, scoring an astonishing 672 goals – both club records that are unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon.
Despite his departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and subsequent move to Inter Miami, Messi’s love for Barcelona remains unwavering. The city holds a special place in his heart, not only as the backdrop to his footballing glory but also as the place where he started a family.
“We still have in our mind a return to live in Barcelona,” Messi confessed. “My kids, my wife and I miss Barcelona a lot. We have friends there and left a lot of things behind when we moved.”
The Argentine’s deep connection to the Catalan capital is evident in his children’s upbringing. “My kids are Catalan. I have lived most of my life there and I feel from Barcelona. You never know where life will take you, but the intention is to live in Barcelona because it’s our home,” he shared.
Future Plans
As Messi enters the twilight of his career, speculation about his future plans has intensified. With one year remaining on his contract with Inter Miami, which expires in 2025, fans are eager to know what lies ahead for the legendary forward.
While Messi has not explicitly stated his intentions beyond his current contract, his deep affection for Barcelona and the city itself has fueled rumors of a possible return in some capacity. Whether as a player, coach, or ambassador, the prospect of Messi donning the Blaugrana colors once more is a tantalizing one for supporters worldwide.
For now, however, Messi’s focus remains on leading Inter Miami to success in the MLS. Despite the team’s recent elimination from the 2024 playoffs, the Argentine superstar’s presence has undoubtedly raised the profile of the league and inspired a new generation of fans.
As Barcelona continues to thrive under Hansi Flick’s leadership, with a perfect blend of experienced stars and precocious academy graduates, Lionel Messi watches on with immense pride. His legacy at the club is secure, but the tantalizing possibility of a triumphant return to his beloved city looms on the horizon, a dream that millions of fans hope will one day become a reality.
