Lionel Messi is set to make a sensational return to Barcelona after president Joan Laporta sent a personal invite to the club icon.
Messi joined Barcelona’s youth setup in 2000 as a 13-year-old and went on to become the greatest player in the club history. However, Messi left the club in the summer of 2021 after the Catalan side’s financial troubles.
Barcelona were unable to hand the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner a new contract despite president Laporta having made promises to him. This left a very bitter relationship between the two, which has not healed despite three years having passed since.
However, ahead of Barcelona’s 125th anniversary celebration, report claimed Laporta is looking to put aside those differences and has sent a personal invite to Messi.
As per Catalunya Radio’s Tot Costa, the event which will be held at the prestigious Liceu Theatre on November 29 will host to several Barcelona legends including Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Pep Guardiola among others.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring for Argentina (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)
The report added that Messi is very likely to attend the event and looks to be ready to make his return to the club for the first time since his departure.
Barcelona are also set to play host to former manager Louis van Gaal at the ceremony, potentially resulting in Messi meeting the former Netherlands coach for the first time since the famous clash between the two during Argentina and the Oranjes’ 2022 World Cup quarter-final clash in Qatar.
Having played his last match for 2024, Messi will be available to make his way to Barcelona for the 125th Celebration Gala on November 29 and potentially watch Hansi Flick’s Barca in action against Las Palmas on November 30.
