Lionel Messi has reportedly made an important decision that has triggered a notable reaction from FC Barcelona. According to Sport, the Argentine star will not attend the club’s 125th-anniversary celebrations, scheduled for next Friday at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
Invited by La Liga officials along with other Barça legends, Messi declined the opportunity to participate in the event. This decision also rules out any chance of a reunion with current president Joan Laporta, with whom relations have remained strained since Messi’s departure in 2021.
Although a pre-recorded video message from Messi will be played during the ceremony, his absence is seen as a blow by FC Barcelona supporters. However, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, the club has made its official stance clear: the celebration aims to honor Barça’s collective history rather than focus on specific individuals, no matter how iconic. The club emphasized its core values, describing itself as a “plural, inclusive, and open institution, deeply rooted and with a vision of football beyond merely winning.” While Messi is undeniably a cornerstone of Barça’s history, the club seeks to celebrate its broader identity and legacy.
A Strong Bond with Barcelona Despite the Absence
Despite his decision, Messi has always expressed a deep connection to Barcelona. In an interview with El nou clam on TV3, he shared: “My children are Catalan. I’ve spent my entire life there. Honestly, I feel a true sense of belonging to Barcelona. My family and I think about moving back someday. We miss life in Barcelona a lot, as well as our friends and so many things we left behind.”
Messi also praised the current team, particularly its integration of young talent: “The current team is spectacular, which doesn’t surprise me. Since I joined Barcelona at the age of 13, it has always been customary to give opportunities to young players. When they’re trusted, they deliver impressively because they’ve been immersed in the club’s style since childhood.”
In conclusion, while Messi won’t be physically present at this milestone event, his bond with FC Barcelona remains unbreakable, as does his admiration for the club’s current sporting project.
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