Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, took to social media to send a heartfelt message to his former club, Barcelona, on their 125th anniversary celebration. Despite being unable to attend the event due to prior commitments, Messi’s message was a testament to his enduring love and respect for the club. His post consisted of 13 pictures that showcased some of the most memorable moments from his time with Barcelona, which spanned over a decade.
Messi’s message read simply, “Happy 125th Anniversary to the best Club in the World.” The sentiment is a reflection of his immense love and respect for the Catalan giants, and it’s a far cry from the controversy that surrounded his departure from the club in the summer of 2021. At the time, Barcelona’s financial difficulties led to their inability to renew Messi’s contract, forcing him to seek a new challenge. The exit was a tumultuous affair, with Messi’s relationship with the club’s president, Joan Laporta, becoming increasingly strained.
Despite the controversy surrounding his exit, Messi’s message to Barcelona was a classy gesture that highlighted his enduring love and respect for the club. His legacy at Barcelona remains unblemished, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football. During his time at Camp Nou, Messi registered an astonishing 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games, cementing his status as a true legend of the sport.
Messi’s absence from the anniversary celebration was likely due to his prior commitments with commercial partners, which coincided with the event. However, rumors suggest that his strained relationship with Laporta may have also played a role in his decision not to attend. The tension between the two parties dates back to 2021, when Laporta informed Messi and his father that they couldn’t offer him a new deal, despite his willingness to accept a 50% pay cut.
