Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, is set to return to FC Barcelona for the club’s 125th anniversary celebration, marking his first visit to the club since his emotional departure in 2021.
According to reports from Catalunya Radio's Barça Reservat podcast, Messi has received a personal invitation from Barcelona president Joan Laporta to attend the prestigious event at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona on November 29, 2024.
Previously, Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 in a South American qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the only goal in the second half.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's bid to win the MLS Cup ended abruptly as Inter Miami was shockingly eliminated in the first round with a 3-2 home loss to Atlanta United.
Messi’s journey with Barcelona began in 2000 when he joined the club’s famed La Masia academy at the age of 13.
Over the next two decades, Messi would go on to become Barcelona’s greatest ever player, winning numerous titles, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies.
He also became the club's all-time top scorer and one of the greatest footballers in history.
However, Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 was a painful one. Despite his immense contribution to the club, financial difficulties stemming from Barcelona’s breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules forced the club to let Messi leave.
Unable to renew Messi's contract due to these constraints, Barcelona had to say farewell to their iconic player, who subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Though Messi’s departure marked the end of an era, speculation about a return to Barcelona remained. In mid-2023, as Messi approached the end of his contract with PSG, rumors circulated that he could make a sensational return to Barcelona. However, Messi ultimately chose to move to Major League Soccer, joining Inter Miami.
The upcoming 125th anniversary celebration at Barcelona presents a unique opportunity for Messi to make his first return to the club since leaving.
Laporta, who was at the center of the financial struggles that led to Messi's exit, is reportedly keen to set aside any lingering tensions and has extended a personal invitation to Messi.
The event is expected to be attended by several Barcelona legends, including Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Pep Guardiola, who, along with Messi, represent the golden era of the club.
For Messi, attending this gala will be a moment to reconnect with the club that shaped his career. Sources suggest that he may even play an active role in the event, helping to shape its development.
The gala will be a star-studded affair, and Messi is likely to be the highest-profile guest of the evening.
In addition to attending the anniversary gala, there are increasing rumors that Messi’s return could also involve a potential testimonial match at Camp Nou once the stadium undergoes its planned renovations.
This would allow fans to honor the man who led the club to so many successes over the years.
While it remains unclear if Messi will ever play for Barcelona again, his attendance at the 125th anniversary event marks a significant step toward mending ties with the club and its fans.
It also highlights the mutual respect between Messi and Barcelona, as both sides seem eager to heal the wounds from the past.
As Messi’s Inter Miami team is in the offseason, the timing of his visit allows him to make the trip to Barcelona without conflicting with any football obligations.
His appearance at the gala will be one of the major highlights of Barcelona’s celebrations, which will also feature appearances by other club legends and figures.
In summary, while Messi's playing days with Barcelona are likely over, his return for the 125th anniversary celebration symbolizes the enduring bond between the player and the club, as well as his central role in Barcelona’s rich footballing history.
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