Lionel Messi’s journey with Barcelona is one of the most iconic in football history, defining both his legacy and that of the club. For over two decades, Messi transformed Barcelona, ​​helping to take it to the very top of European football while cementing himself as one of the greatest players of all time. However, Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 left a void that has been keenly felt by both club and player, making the memories of his connection with Barca all the more meaningful.

The Rise of Messi and His Impact on Barcelona

Lionel Messi joined FC Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy at the age of 13, moving from Argentina to Spain with his family to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. From his early years at the club, Messi showed extraordinary potential, and in 2004, at the age of just 17, he made his first-team debut. His skill, agility and goalscoring ability quickly made him a standout figure in a star-studded team.

Throughout his 17-year career with Barcelona’s senior squad, Messi became the club’s top scorer, racking up an incredible 672 goals in 778 appearances. Under his leadership, Barcelona won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Reys, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. His partnership with players such as Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and later Neymar Jr. and Luis Suárez, turned Barcelona’s attack into one of the most feared in Europe.

.The Fall and Departure of Messi

Despite his monumental contributions, Messi’s final years at Barcelona were marked by increasing tensions with the club’s management. The club faced financial challenges and controversies surrounding its president, Josep Bartomeu, which contributed to a turbulent environment. Messi, who had always expressed loyalty to the club, found himself at odds with the direction Barcelona was taking.

In 2020, following Barcelona’s painful 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Messi publicly expressed his desire to leave the club, citing broken promises and management issues. However, a legal dispute over his contract ultimately prevented him from leaving that summer. The following year, in 2021, Barcelona’s financial situation had deteriorated so much that they could no longer afford Messi’s salary, forcing him to make the difficult decision to leave the club. His emotional farewell at the Camp Nou became a touching moment for fans around the world.

Messi’s Legacy and His Reflections

Following his release, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he spent two seasons before moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). His time at PSG was marked by both success and challenges, as he had to adapt to a new club and style of play. However, Messi has often reflected on his deep connection with Barcelona. He has often expressed his gratitude to the club for shaping his career, and has thanked the fans who supported him at every turn.

In a widely circulated quote, Messi is reported to have stated: “Without Barça, I would still be me. But without me, Barça would not be…” This statement, though never fully confirmed, encapsulates the profound impact he had on the club and the transformative role he played. Despite his departure, Messi’s legacy at Barcelona remains unshaken, and he is widely regarded as the greatest player in the club’s history.

A Possible Return: Challenges and Hopes

In recent years, there has been speculation and hope among fans about a potential return of Messi to Barcelona. However, in several interviews, Messi has clarified that while he would love to return to the club in some capacity, certain people within the organization were opposed to his return. He has expressed his willingness to return in the future in a non-playing role, perhaps as an ambassador or in another capacity where he can contribute to the club he loves without being directly involved on the pitch.

.The obstacles to a return are largely due to the club’s financial constraints and ongoing restructuring efforts. Barcelona have been under pressure from La Liga’s strict financial regulations and, although they have been working to rebuild, a full-time return as a player seems unlikely. Nonetheless, Messi’s legacy at Barcelona is expected to endure, with his contributions continuing to shape the club’s history.

Messi’s Continued Success and Global Impact

Now with Inter Miami, Messi has brought significant attention to Major League Soccer, attracting new fans and raising the league’s profile globally. His debut with Miami was met with great anticipation, and his presence has brought unprecedented success to the club. Messi’s arrival in MLS has sparked a surge in interest in soccer in the United States, proving his lasting influence on the sport.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s journey from his youth at La Masia to becoming a global football icon is a story of dedication, talent and love for the game. His legacy with Barcelona remains unparalleled, and his impact on the club and the sport is profound. Although he no longer plays for Barça, Messi’s spirit and legacy will always be intertwined with the club, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike. His continued success in MLS and his reflections on his time at Barcelona have further solidified his reputation as one of the game’s greatest ambassadors.