Barcelona to invite Lionel Messi for special club event in November - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly set to invite Lionel Messi for a special event at the club in November. As per Spanish outlet Relevo, the Blaugrana will invite the Argentine superstar and other club legends to commemorate the club's 125th anniversary at the end of November.
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player to have graced the game let alone being the biggest star in Barcelona's history. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was the Catalan giants' poster boy for almost two decades and helped the club achieve a lot of success.
It was a painful sight for the worldwide Barca fans to see their beloved Messi leave the club in 2021. The Blaugrana's financial struggles meant that the magical Argentine had to leave the club joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The 37-year-old is currently on the books of Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. As per the aforementioned report, the forward could return to his Camp Nou in November but not as a player.
Barcelona will host an event on November 29 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the club's foundation in 1899. Messi along with other greats to have played for the club will be invited, with the club looking to acknowledge their contributions.
Lionel Messi joined the Catalan club in 2000 as a 13-year-old and went on to create his legacy in world football. He won 34 trophies during his time at the club while contributing with 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games.
Lionel Messi names his three favorite managers at Barcelona
When asked to name his three favorite managers from his time at Barcelona, Lionel Messi named Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde. The Argentine spent the majority of his career at the Catalan club playing under several top managers.
However, he revealed that he enjoyed himself the most under Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde. The Argentine great said in June 2024, as quoted by @ActualliteBarca on X:
"I was very happy at Barcelona when I was coached by Pep, Luis Enrique and Valverde."
Lionel Messi made his Barca debut under Frank Rijkaard but rose to stardom under Pep Guardiola. Both Messi and Barca enjoyed their most glorious phase under the now-Manchester City manager, winning 14 trophies in four years.
Under Luis Enrique, Messi formed arguably the most prolific attacking trio in football history with Luis Suarez and Neymar who were fondly called 'MSN'. Ernesto Valverde took over at the club after Enrique but could never really reach the heights of his predecessors.