Lionel Messi very likely to attend Barcelona’s 125th anniversary after club president Joan Laporta sets differences aside to send invite: Reports
Lionel Messi is expected to join Barcelona's 125th anniversary celebrations after receiving a personalized invite from club president Joan Laporta, according to Catalunya Radio's Tot Costa. The Argentinean's relationship with Laporta is strained after the club failed to hand him a renewal in 2021.
Messi arrived at Camp Nou as a teenager in 2000 and rose through the ranks at La Masia to earn his first team debut in 2004. La Pulga went on to become one of the best players in the world with the LaLiga giants.
In 2021, with his contract due to expire, the Argentinean was reportedly assured by Laporta that he would be handed a renewal. Unfortunately, the Catalans failed to live up to their word due to their poor financial situation.
Lionel Messi was forced to leave Barcelona as a free agent and he went on to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was least pleased with Laporta and it is believed that their relationship remains strained at the moment.
However, it now appears that Laporta has put the differences aside and sent a personal invite to the Argentinean for the club's 125th anniversary celebrations. The event will be hosted at Liceu Theatre on November 29 and will be attended by many former players, including Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Pep Guardiola.
It will be the first time that Lionel Messi will return to Camp Nou since his departure. La Pulga failed to attend Iniesta's retirement celebrations in October due to his commitments with Argentina.
How many games has Lionel Messi played for Barcelona?
Lionel Messi has the record for most appearances for Barcelona, having played 778 games for the Catalans. The second in the list is club legend and former manager Xavi, who has 767 appearances for the LaLiga giants.
The Argentinean has scored 672 goals for Barcelona, which also makes him the club's record goalscorer. La Pulga also has 303 assists to his name for the LaLiga giants, which also put him at the top of the pile for the club.
La Pulga won six of his eight Ballon d'Or awards with Barcelona, while all of his six European Golden Shoe arrived during his time at Camp Nou. Interestingly, the diminutive magician is the only player to win the Ballon d'Or, the Pichichi Trophy, the Golden Boot, and the FIFA World Player in the same year, in the 2009-10 campaign. He currently plies his trade in the MLS with Inter Miami.