Lionel Messi, the winner of eight Ballons d'Or, spoke in a heartfelt interview about his deep longing for Barcelona, the Camp Nou stadium and the people of the city. Recalling his 21 years with the Blues, he emphasized that his love for Barça and the city of Barcelona will never leave his heart and that he hopes to return there again in the not-so-distant future and continue his life there.
Publish dateWednesday 12 November 2025 - 11:05
Story Code : 335952
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): Lionel Messi, the world football superstar and captain of the Argentine national team, spoke in an interview with the Catalan newspaper "Sport" about his time at Barcelona and his interest in returning to the city.
Messi, 38, who left the team in the summer of 2021 due to Barcelona's financial problems and La Liga restrictions, recently secretly returned to the under-renovated Camp Nou stadium to relive his past memories. He then posted pictures of himself at the stadium on his Instagram page, writing: "I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart; the place where I spent the happiest moments of my life. I hope one day I can return, not just to say goodbye as a player, but to live there again."
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said of his departure from Barcelona: "I didn't leave Barça the way I thought I would. I felt strange after I left because I wanted to spend the last years of my career with the fans. I always dreamed of finishing my career at Barça and then coming to America, but the circumstances at the time didn't allow it. However, the love of the fans has always stayed with me."
He continued: "Everything that comes from Barcelona and the people of that city fills me with emotion and nostalgia. I really miss those moments. Now that I look back with distance and peace, I experience the memories more deeply and beautifully.”
Messi, who has been at Barcelona’s academy since he was 12, said: “I played for 16 years in the Barça first team and spent more than two decades of my life there. It is natural that the love for the club and the city of Barcelona will always remain in me.”
On the meaning of happiness, he said: “Happiness is not just about trophies. For me, it is important that I was part of the club where I grew up and shaped my life. I thank God for leading me to Barcelona and that my children were born in that city. This city will always be a part of my life.”
Messi stressed that he still follows Barcelona games and is in touch with his former teammates such as Alba, Suarez and Busquets. "New players come and go, but history is never forgotten, not just for me, but for everyone who has worked for this club," he said.
The Inter Miami superstar added: "I really want to live in Barcelona again. My family feels the same way. We still have our house there and we talk about returning. I would also like to go there and see the Camp Nou once it's finished. It's been a long time since I was there and it would be exciting to visit it again."
Messi concluded by saying about his future in football: "I'll play as long as I feel good. When I feel like my body can't take it anymore or I don't enjoy the game, it will be time to say goodbye. But for now, I'm enjoying football and I'm happy to still be able to compete."
It is worth noting that Messi scored 672 goals in 778 games during his time at Barcelona and won 34 prestigious trophies with the team, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.
Messi, 38, who left the team in the summer of 2021 due to Barcelona's financial problems and La Liga restrictions, recently secretly returned to the under-renovated Camp Nou stadium to relive his past memories. He then posted pictures of himself at the stadium on his Instagram page, writing: "I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart; the place where I spent the happiest moments of my life. I hope one day I can return, not just to say goodbye as a player, but to live there again."
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said of his departure from Barcelona: "I didn't leave Barça the way I thought I would. I felt strange after I left because I wanted to spend the last years of my career with the fans. I always dreamed of finishing my career at Barça and then coming to America, but the circumstances at the time didn't allow it. However, the love of the fans has always stayed with me."
He continued: "Everything that comes from Barcelona and the people of that city fills me with emotion and nostalgia. I really miss those moments. Now that I look back with distance and peace, I experience the memories more deeply and beautifully.”
Messi, who has been at Barcelona’s academy since he was 12, said: “I played for 16 years in the Barça first team and spent more than two decades of my life there. It is natural that the love for the club and the city of Barcelona will always remain in me.”
On the meaning of happiness, he said: “Happiness is not just about trophies. For me, it is important that I was part of the club where I grew up and shaped my life. I thank God for leading me to Barcelona and that my children were born in that city. This city will always be a part of my life.”
Messi stressed that he still follows Barcelona games and is in touch with his former teammates such as Alba, Suarez and Busquets. "New players come and go, but history is never forgotten, not just for me, but for everyone who has worked for this club," he said.
The Inter Miami superstar added: "I really want to live in Barcelona again. My family feels the same way. We still have our house there and we talk about returning. I would also like to go there and see the Camp Nou once it's finished. It's been a long time since I was there and it would be exciting to visit it again."
Messi concluded by saying about his future in football: "I'll play as long as I feel good. When I feel like my body can't take it anymore or I don't enjoy the game, it will be time to say goodbye. But for now, I'm enjoying football and I'm happy to still be able to compete."
It is worth noting that Messi scored 672 goals in 778 games during his time at Barcelona and won 34 prestigious trophies with the team, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.
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