Barcelona president Joan Laporta makes feelings clear about Lionel Messi in his speech during club’s 125th anniversary gala
Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke highly of Lionel Messi during his speech at the club's 125th anniversary celebrations on Friday, November 29. The legendary Argentine is widely considered as the greatest Blaugrana legend of all time.
Most of Lionel Messi's professional career was spent at Barcelona as the Argentine spent 17 years (2004-2021). He won a club-record 35 titles with La Blaugrana, including four UEFA Champions League, 10 La Liga and seven Copa del Rey titles.
In 778 outings for the side, Messi recorded 672 goals and 303 assists. La Pulga left Barca in 2021 after the club was unable to renew his contract owing to economic constraints.
In his speech at Barcelona's 125th anniversary celebrations, president Laporta heaped praise on Messi (via Barca Universal):
"Messi is the best player in history and the most decisive in the history of Barça."
Although Lionel Messi wasn't present at Barca's 125th anniversary gala, he shared a video message for fans.
He also took to Instagram to congratulate his former club on its 125th anniversary. Messi's video message was played at the gala on Friday alongside similar messages from other Blaugrana legends.
“I was lucky that God led me to this place" - Lionel Messi sends message to FC Barcelona on its 125th anniversary
In a special video message via Barcelona's social media, Lionel Messi congratulated the club on its 125th anniversary. He said (via Barca Blaugranes):
“I congratulate the club on its 125th anniversary. It is a great pride for me to be part of this club and to be a fan of Barca. It’s a special club, different from the others, with all the difficulties that this imposes because of the way things are managed in football today. I was lucky that God led me to this club and I spent my whole life in this wonderful club.”
Despite his difficult departure in 2021, Messi has always spoken highly of his former side. The legendary forward was heavily linked to a return to Barcelona in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, although a move didn't materialise.
After two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined MLS side Inter Miami on a free transfer last summer and has won two trophies. It remains to be seen if he returns to Barca in some capacity in the future.