As FC Barcelona celebrates its 125th anniversary on November 29, Lionel Messi, one of the club's greatest ever players, took a moment to reflect on his time at the Catalan giant. Appearing on the TV program Nou Clam on 3Cat, Messi expressed his deep connection to the club, acknowledging that even as his career has moved on to new chapters—first with Paris Saint-Germain and now with Inter Miami—his heart remains tied to Barcelona.

“First, I want to congratulate the club for these 125 years,” Messi began, visibly emotional. “It is an honor to be part of the club and a fan of Barcelona. I was fortunate that God allowed me to come to this place and spend my whole life at that wonderful club. It is a special club, different from all others, and as hard as it is in these times for a club to remain different, especially with how football has changed, I’m proud to see the first team represented in a way that we all love and admire.”

"I Miss the Club..."

Messi’s words speak volumes about the bond he shares with Barcelona, a club that shaped his career and where he spent over 20 years. His departure in the summer of 2021 left a gaping hole in the heart of many fans, and the Argentine has often admitted how much he misses his former home. “I miss the club, the city, the people, the affection…” he continued. His longing for his days at Barcelona remains palpable, even after years away.

Despite his success with PSG and now in the MLS with Inter Miami, Messi’s connection with Barcelona hasn’t faded. His heartfelt tribute comes at a time when the club is undergoing significant changes, both on and off the pitch. Messi’s statement reflects not only his personal affection for Barcelona but also his appreciation for the values the club instilled in him, a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans who still see him as the embodiment of the club’s greatness.

As Barcelona commemorates 125 years of history, Messi’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact the club has had on its former stars and how, for many, the bonds formed at the Camp Nou are never truly broken. Even as Messi moves forward in his career, Barcelona remains a part of him—forever intertwined with the story of his footballing life.