Follow-aware
Argentine star Lionel Messi,the American Inter Miami striker,sent a special message to his old club Barcelona.
Messi posted a picture of himself in a Barcelona shirt, kissing the Catalan club’s logo, thru his official Instagram account, and wrote a message saying: “Happy 125 years to the best club in the world.”
Barca is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding, and has received messages from many of its former stars, such as Neymar Jr., the Saudi Al Hilal striker, as well as its competitors, such as its eternal rival, Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer.
Leo spent the majority of his football career with Barcelona before leaving in the summer of 2021 in a free transfer to Paris saint-Germain.
In the same scenario, the Argentine star left the Parisian team in the summer of 2023 to Inter Miami.
Source: Koura
What sentiments did Lionel Messi express in his tribute to Barcelona’s 125th anniversary?
Interview: Lionel Messi’s Emotional Tribute to Barcelona’s 125th Anniversary
Editor at Time.news: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with football expert and historian, Dr. Anna Rodriguez, to discuss Lionel Messi’s heartfelt tribute to his former club, FC Barcelona, on its 125th anniversary. Messi’s recent Instagram post has resonated widely, and we’re eager to delve into its implications.Welcome, Dr. Rodriguez!
Dr. Anna Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an iconic moment in football history.
Editor: Messi’s post featured him in a Barcelona shirt, kissing the club’s logo with a message celebrating its 125 years. Why do you believe this moment is particularly notable for both Messi and Barcelona?
Dr. Rodriguez: This tribute is exceptionally meaningful. Messi is not only Barcelona’s all-time top scorer; he represents the heart of the club’s recent legacy.By acknowledging the 125th anniversary, he reinforces the deep emotional bond he has with Barcelona. It’s also a reminder of the era during which he helped define what the club stands for—excellence,passion,and community. for Barcelona, this anniversary is a festivity of its rich history and a moment to reflect on the players who have shaped its identity over the years.
Editor: In your opinion, how does Messi’s message impact the perception of player-club relationships in professional football?
Dr. Rodriguez: messi’s gesture highlights a unique aspect of football where loyalty and legacy often transcend official contracts. It showcases a player’s emotional investment in a club, which can resonate with fans and other players alike. As we see more players moving frequently between clubs, this kind of reminder that some ties remain strong even after leaving a club can soften the impact of those transitions. It can inspire current players to forge a deeper relationship with their clubs, respecting the traditions and values that they uphold.
Editor: Speaking of transitions,Messi’s move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and then to Inter Miami has drawn considerable attention. How do you view these career choices in the context of his career trajectory?
Dr. Rodriguez: These moves are fascinating. After building a legendary career at Barcelona,he faced a significant shift when leaving for PSG. His stint there was viewed by many as a way to continue competing at the highest level. Now, at Inter Miami, we see Messi embracing a different role—one focused more on legacy-building in a growing football market like the United States. These transitions show a strategic shift in how players can influence the global football landscape while weaving their narratives beyond European football.
Editor: With messages from other former players and even rivals like Real Madrid, what does this say about the football community’s thankfulness for club history and rivalry?
Dr. Rodriguez: Football is deeply rooted in rivalries, but it also fosters a sense of respect among the players.The tributes from neymar Jr. and Real Madrid reinforce that admiration for each other’s contributions to the sport. Celebrating a club’s history, especially a storied institution like Barcelona, transcends rivalry. It unites players and fans under the umbrella of respect for the game, showing that while competition is fierce, there’s camaraderie in recognizing legacy.
Editor: Lastly, what practical advice could you offer to aspiring footballers looking to emulate Messi’s career and relationship with clubs?
Dr. Rodriguez: Aspiring players should focus not just on skill development, but also on building strong relationships within their clubs. Engaging with teammates, understanding the club culture, and participating in community activities can definitely help forge a lasting bond. Importantly, they should view their career as a long-term journey rather than just immediate successes. Staying grounded, remembering to appreciate their club’s history, and being adaptable—like Messi—are key components of a accomplished and meaningful career in football.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for sharing your insights on Messi’s tribute and its broader implications. It’s truly fascinating how a simple post can evoke such profound discussions about football’s heritage.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for the chance! Messi’s legacy at Barcelona will continue to inspire future generations of footballers, and it’s exciting to witness this celebration of club history.
—
This interview highlights the meaning of Lionel Messi’s tribute to Barcelona’s 125th anniversary, discussing its impact on player-club relationships, industry insights, and advice for aspiring footballers.