Football icon Lionel Messi has opened up about his enduring emotional connection to FC Barcelona while expressing surprise at the retirement decisions of former teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. In an interview with Sport, the Inter Miami captain revealed how messages from Barcelona fans continue to evoke powerful nostalgia.
“It’s wonderful. Barcelona messages always make me feel nostalgic and moved,” Messi shared. The Argentine legend spent over two decades at the Catalan club. He admits missing those years intensely now.
“I appreciate that happiness more today than during my playing days,” Messi reflected. “The constant matches left little time to savor experiences. Now with perspective, I see how precious it all was.” The World Cup winner occasionally watches old highlights. He describes them as “significant moments worth treasuring.”
Messi described his 2021 Barcelona exit as particularly painful. “Leaving felt complex. It happened abruptly during the pandemic without fans. I couldn’t bid farewell properly.” He added, “My plan was always to retire in Barcelona first.”
Regarding retirements, Messi expressed shock at Alba’s decision. “Jordi’s announcement stunned us completely. Busquets had been contemplating retirement, but Alba’s came unexpectedly.” The Inter Miami star recalled Alba breaking the news in the dressing room. “No one anticipated it.”
Messi cherished sharing his final career chapter with both players in Miami. “Having our entire careers overlap made these years special. We recognized our time was ending.” The football legend emphasized their bond extended beyond the pitch as close friends.
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