On November 29, 2024, FC Barcelona celebrated their 125th anniversary with a special gala at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. While Lionel Messi was unable to attend in person due to prior commitments, the Argentine star took the opportunity to send an emotional message, expressing his admiration for the club that shaped his career.

Messi’s Message to Barça

On his Instagram account, Messi wrote:
"Happy 125th anniversary to the best club in the world," accompanying the post with photos from his glorious time at Barça and two blue and red heart emojis.

During the gala, a video message from Messi was shown, where he expressed his pride in the club’s history and praised the importance of La Masia in nurturing young talents, highlighting its role in maintaining Barça’s identity.

Club president Joan Laporta took the opportunity to pay tribute to Messi, calling him "the most influential player in Barça’s history" and emphasizing the unparalleled impact he had during his time with the team.

Messi’s Unbreakable Bond with Barça

Since his surprising departure in 2021, the relationship between Messi and FC Barcelona has remained a focal point of discussion. Despite rumors of his attendance at the anniversary gala, Messi was unable to join due to commitments with his current club, Inter Miami.

In recent interviews, Messi has expressed his desire to return to live in Barcelona, referring to the city as his true home and highlighting the deep connection his family has with the Catalan capital.

A Celebration of Legacy

The gala brought together iconic figures from the club’s history, sharing congratulatory messages and reminiscing about their experiences. It was an evening filled with emotion, underscoring the rich legacy of FC Barcelona as one of the world’s most iconic sports institutions.