Messi Applauds Hansi Flick’s “Spectacular” Barcelona Revolution
When Lionel Messi speaks, the football world listens. And this time, the former Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami forward has nothing but glowing praise for his old club. Under the guidance of new coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona has been on a tear, and Messi is clearly impressed. “Spectacular” is the word he used to describe their form, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with him.
Let’s break it down. Barcelona has been on fire this season, winning 11 of their first 13 games in LaLiga. That’s not all—they’ve also taken three out of four matches in the Champions League. Oh, and did we mention they’re the top scorers in both competitions? Yeah, it’s that kind of season for the Catalan giants.
Messi, who left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before heading to Inter Miami last year, couldn’t hide his pride when speaking to TV3. “I’m hugely proud to see how the first team is representing the club right now,” he said. And it’s not just the results that have him excited—it’s the way the team is doing it, with a heavy reliance on homegrown talent.
Homegrown Heroes Shine in El Clásico
Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, has long been the gold standard for developing talent, and this season is no exception. In their recent 4-0 Clásico win over arch-rivals Real Madrid, eight academy graduates featured in the squad. That’s the kind of stat that makes any Barça fan’s heart swell with pride.
Messi, who himself came through La Masia, knows exactly what it means to see the club’s youngsters thrive. “It’s spectacular that the kids have had chances in the last two years,” he said. “When you put confidence in them, this is how they respond because they know the club better than anyone.”
He added, “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.” It’s a sentiment that will resonate with fans who remember the golden days of Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta dominating world football.
Flick’s Response: Honored by Messi’s Words
Hansi Flick, the man orchestrating this Barcelona renaissance, was understandably touched by Messi’s comments. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo, Flick said, “It’s an honor 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.”
He continued, “He is always with his whole heart in this club, and it means a lot for us and the whole team.” High praise from a coach who has already silenced many of his critics with his stellar start at the Camp Nou.
Messi’s Heart Still in Barcelona
While Messi is currently lighting up Major League Soccer, his heart clearly remains in Barcelona. The Argentine spent over 20 years at the club, making a record 778 appearances and scoring an astonishing 672 goals. It’s also where he started his family, and he’s made no secret of his desire to return to the city one day.
“We still have in our mind a return to live in Barcelona,” Messi said. “My kids, my wife, and I miss Barcelona a lot. We have friends there and left a lot of things behind when we moved.”
He added, “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.”
For now, Messi has one year left on his contract with Inter Miami, which runs until 2025. But don’t be surprised if we see him back in Barcelona sooner rather than later—if not on the pitch, then certainly in the stands cheering on the next generation of La Masia stars.
Key Takeaways
- Barcelona has won 11 of their first 13 LaLiga games under Hansi Flick.
- The team is the top scorer in both LaLiga and the Champions League.
- Eight La Masia graduates featured in their 4-0 win over Real Madrid.
- Messi has expressed pride in the team’s form and hinted at a future return to Barcelona.
With Flick at the helm and the academy talent thriving, Barcelona fans have every reason to dream big this season. And with Messi watching from afar, the club’s legacy feels as strong as ever.
Originally Written by: Sam Marsden
