Lionel Messi longs for FC Barcelona and its passionate fans
- Lionel Messi expressed his longing for the FC Barcelona supporters and hopes for a reunion.
- He left the club in 2021 due to financial constraints that affected his contract renewal.
- Messi aspires to see Barcelona winning major titles again and values his time under Pep Guardiola.
In an interview on December 6, 2024, FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi shared his feelings of nostalgia for the club's fans, known as 'Culers'. He expressed that he misses them greatly and hopes they can reunite in the future. Messi's sentiments come after his emotional departure from the club in 2021, when he left due to financial issues that prevented the renewal of his contract under President Joan Laporta. Having transitioned to Paris Saint-Germain and currently playing for Inter Miami, Messi's connection to Barcelona remains strong, as he called on fans to take pride in their club's history and achievements. He highlighted the unwavering expectations that members and supporters have for the team, stating that ambitions should never settle for mediocrity, and voiced his desire for FC Barcelona to reclaim titles it has won in the past, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Recognizing the influential figures in his career, Messi mentioned former manager Pep Guardiola as a significant influence during his time at Camp Nou, acknowledging the numerous successes they achieved together while he was coach.