New Delhi: Lionel Messi is expected to return to FC Barcelona for the 125th-anniversary celebration on November 29 at the prestigious Liceu Theater. According to Catalunya Radio’s Tot Costa, club president Joan Laporta has sent the club icon a personal invite. Messi’s relationship with Laporta got bitter when he failed to fulfill his promise to renew the Argentine’s contract in 2021.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived at Camp Nou in 2000 as a 13-year-old and quickly rose through the ranks of La Masia to earn his senior debut in 2004 under Frank Rijkaard. Leo quickly established a name for himself as the best player in the world. He stayed at Camp Nou until 2021 summer.
In 2021, Messi had to leave his boyhood club after the Catalan side’s financial troubles left them unable to renew the star striker’s contract, despite Laporta’s promises. Sadly, the 37-year-old departed with teary eyes as Barcelona failed to keep their word.
The former Barcelona star was forced to leave as a free agent. He then joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Messi was least pleased with Laporta and it is believed that the relationship is still not good but it seems that he had put the differences aside and has sent a personal invite to the Barca star for the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations. The event will also be attended by many former Barcelona legends including Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Pep Guardiola.
🚨🎖️| BREAKING: Lionel Messi is expected to join the anniversary celebration of Barcelona on November 29th. [@totcosta] #fcblive 🐐 pic.twitter.com/xhOEsAxxjB
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) November 21, 2024
It will be the first time the Argentine World Cup winner will return to Camp Nou after his departure. Messi even missed Iniesta’s retirement celebrations last month due to his commitments with the national team.
Messi’s achievements at Barcelona
La Pulga is the record holder for the most appearances for Barcelona, having played 778 games for the club. He had also the clubs record goalscorer with 672 goals. Messi also has 303 assists to his name which also puts him at the top in the list.
Lionel Messi has won six of his eight Ballon d’Or awards with Barcelona and all six of his European Golden Shoes during his time at the club. Additionally, Messi is the only player to have won the Ballon d’Or, the Pichichi Trophy, the Golden Boot, and the FIFA World Player award in the same year, achieving this remarkable feat during the 2009-10 campaign.
He is currently playing for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. With his team knocked out of the playoffs earlier this month, the Argentine now has ample time to return to Camp Nou for the celebration and can later even watch FC Barcelona’s match against Las Palmas on November 30.
The Argentine star is set for Barcelona return for their 125th anniversary celebration after president Joan Laporta sent a personal invite to the club legend. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
