Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about his lasting connection with Barcelona, while expressing surprise at the recent retirements of his longtime teammates and close friends, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
In an interview with Sport, the Inter Miami captain said the continued affection from Barcelona supporters still moves him deeply.
“It’s incredible. Whenever I get messages from Barcelona fans about those years, it always makes me feel nostalgic and emotional,” Messi said.
Having spent more than two decades at the Catalan club, Messi admitted he has grown increasingly sentimental about that period in his life.
“Honestly, I miss those days a lot. Maybe I appreciate that happiness more now than I did back then. At the time, with so many matches in quick succession, I was always focused on the next game and never fully enjoyed the moment. Looking back now, after several years and with a calmer perspective, it all feels even more special,” he explained.
Messi revealed he occasionally revisits old highlights from his Barcelona career, saying the clips evoke powerful memories.
“Of course, I enjoy watching those moments. They represent meaningful, unforgettable experiences, capturing key instances worth remembering,” he said.
The World Cup winner also discussed the difficulty of leaving Barcelona in 2021, particularly amid the unusual circumstances of the pandemic.
“I’ve mentioned this before — leaving Barcelona was emotionally complex, especially since it happened so suddenly. My last days at Barça were during the pandemic, with no fans in the stands. I’d spent my entire career there and couldn’t say goodbye the way I had imagined,” Messi said.
“I had always planned to end my professional journey in Barcelona and Europe before moving here to the US. The departure was unusual, but I know the fans’ love will last forever.”
On Busquets and Alba’s retirements, Messi admitted that while Busquets’ decision had been anticipated for a while, Alba’s announcement was completely unexpected.
“It felt really strange, particularly with Jordi Alba, because we had no idea it was coming. Busquets had been contemplating his future and discussing it, but Alba’s retirement came as a total shock,” Messi said.
“One day he simply told us in the dressing room that he would be announcing his retirement, and none of us had seen it coming. It was completely unanticipated, and even more surprising. It’s a shame, because beyond his great performances on the field, he’s also a friend. We started this Miami journey together from the very beginning.”
Messi reflected on the strong personal and professional bond they share.
“You could feel that the moment was approaching. Being from the same generation and having shared so many years together, it’s been truly special to have spent these last few years alongside them,” he added.
