Messi Reflects on His Barça Legacy as Club Celebrates 125 Years
It’s been over two years since Lionel Messi left Barcelona, but the Argentine maestro’s heart still beats for the club that shaped his legendary career. In a heartfelt interview with TV3, Messi opened up about his enduring love for Barça as the club celebrated its 125th anniversary on Friday. For fans of the Blaugrana, it was a nostalgic reminder of the golden era Messi helped create during his 21 years at the club.
“Congratulations to Barça on their 125th anniversary,” Messi said, his words carrying the weight of a man who lived and breathed the club’s ethos. “It’s an honor to be part of the club, to be a Barça fan. I am lucky that God led me there, and I was able to spend most of my life at such a wonderful club.”
Messi’s connection to Barcelona is undeniable. Joining the club as a teenager in 2000, he went on to become their all-time leading appearance maker and goal scorer, netting an astonishing 672 goals in 778 games. His legacy is etched into the very fabric of the club, and his words during the interview reflected a deep sense of gratitude and longing.
“I Miss the Club a Lot”
Messi didn’t shy away from admitting how much he misses Barcelona. “I miss the club a lot, the city, the people, the affection,” he said. “And, as always, I hope things keep going well and we can keep making this great club even greater.”
For Messi, Barcelona isn’t just a football club; it’s a way of life. “It’s a special club, different from the rest, with the difficulties that poses at the moment, given how things are managed in football these days,” he explained. “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].”
Barça’s Storied History
Founded in 1899 by Swiss-born Joan Gamper, Barcelona has grown into one of the most successful and iconic football clubs in the world. Over the past 125 years, the club has amassed a combined total of 36 LaLiga and Liga F titles, along with eight UEFA Champions League crowns across their men’s and women’s teams. It’s a legacy that few clubs can rival.
Messi himself was instrumental in many of those triumphs, contributing to 10 LaLiga titles and four Champions League victories. When asked about his favorite moment at the club, Messi didn’t hesitate. “The year we won the six trophies,” he said, referring to the historic 2009 season when Barça claimed 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.”
A Night to Remember
To mark their 125th anniversary, Barcelona hosted a special gala at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, just off La Rambla in the heart of the city. Around 2,000 people with ties to the club’s illustrious history were invited to the event, making it a night to remember for everyone involved.
Among those in attendance were first-team coach Hansi Flick and his players. Flick, who took over as manager this summer, has already been captivated by the club’s unique culture. “This club is amazing, it’s really unbelievable,” Flick said during a news conference on Friday. “Since I arrived, I said it has impressed me a lot, all the things here. Now, some days later, my coaching staff and I can really work in freedom. They do everything we need. It’s a really good situation.”
Flick also spoke about the passion of Barça’s fans. “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.”
Why Barça Is “More Than a Club”
Barcelona’s motto, “Més que un club” (More than a club), isn’t just a slogan—it’s a philosophy. Flick acknowledged the weight of that legacy, saying, “It’s a big honor to be a Barça coach. 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.”
As the club looks to the future, Messi’s words serve as a poignant reminder of what makes Barcelona so special. It’s not just the trophies or the iconic players; it’s the sense of community, the shared history, and the unwavering passion of its fans. For Messi, and for millions of others, Barcelona will always be more than a club—it’s a family.
Originally Written by: Sam Marsden
