As FC Barcelona prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary with a gala event at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, a familiar face has expressed his nostalgia for the Catalan club. Lionel Messi, who now plies his trade with Inter Miami in the MLS, spent a staggering 21 years with Barça before departing in 2021. In an interview with TV3 to mark the occasion, the Argentine superstar opened up about his feelings for his former club.
“It’s an honor to be part of the club, to be a Barça fan,” Messi revealed. “I am lucky that God led me there and I was able to spend most of my life at such a wonderful club.” The forward joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy as a teenager in 2000 and went on to become the club’s all-time leading appearance maker and goal scorer, netting an astonishing 672 goals in 778 games.
A Club Like No Other
Messi was effusive in his praise for Barcelona, highlighting what makes the institution so unique. “It’s a special club, different to the rest, with the difficulties that poses at the moment, given how things are managed in football these days,” he explained. The 37-year-old also expressed his pride in seeing the club’s current crop of youngsters making their mark on the first team.
“They changed everything and today the club is represented in the way we want. We like the first team, we’re hugely proud [to see the youngsters there].”
Lionel Messi on Barcelona’s current squad
Despite now being based in Miami, Messi admitted that Barcelona still holds a special place in his heart. “I miss the club a lot, the city, the people, the affection … And, as always, I hope things keep going well and we can keep making this great club even greater.”
The Sextuple Season
When asked about his favorite moment during his time at Barcelona, Messi didn’t hesitate. “The year we won the six trophies,” he replied, referring to the club’s historic 2008-09 season under Pep Guardiola. That campaign saw Barça claim an unprecedented sextuple of LaLiga, the Champions League, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Supercopa and the Club World Cup.
“You enjoy every day, training, games … going out to play and knowing how the games would end,” Messi reminisced. “We had so much confidence that we were going to win. It was a year I really enjoyed and I think everyone else did, too.” The Argentine magician was instrumental in that success, scoring 38 goals and providing 18 assists across all competitions.
Flick: More Than a Club
Barcelona’s current coach Hansi Flick, who took charge this summer, echoed Messi’s sentiments about the uniqueness of the Catalan institution. “This club is amazing, it’s really unbelievable,” the German tactician said in a press conference on Friday. “Since I arrived I said it, it has impressed me a lot all the things here.”
“All the fans, when I walk through the street, it’s amazing how they speak with me, how they are very kind about us, about my team, my colleagues and me. It’s really a pleasure to be here, to work for this club. And it’s more than a club, yes, I can say that.”
Hansi Flick on the unique nature of FC Barcelona
Flick and his players will be among the 2,000 invitees at Friday’s gala, many of whom have links to Barcelona’s storied past. “It’s a big honor to be a Barça coach,” Flick admitted. “I know really well the history of this amazing club. We will be at the celebration today, also the players are there, and we can get a feeling about that.”
An Illustrious History
Since its founding by Swiss-born Joan Gamper at a gymnasium in the city 125 years ago, Barcelona has gone on to become one of the most successful and recognizable clubs in world football. The Blaugrana have claimed a combined total of 36 domestic league titles and eight UEFA Champions League crowns across their men’s and women’s teams.
Messi was a key figure in much of that success, helping the men’s team to 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League triumphs during his time at the club. His individual accolades are equally impressive, with a record seven Ballon d’Or awards to his name.
As Barcelona reflects on its illustrious history and looks forward to the future, it’s clear that Lionel Messi will always remain an indelible part of the club’s fabric. His nostalgia for his time in Catalonia is a reminder of the special bond between player and club, one that transcends the passage of time and the thousands of miles now separating them.
