Lionel Messi opens up on time at Barcelona ahead of 125th anniversary – ‘I was lucky to be there’ | OneFootball

Lionel Messi once said in a famous interview that if he ever left Barcelona, it would be because he was forced out of the club and not out of his personal choice.

His words could not have been more true for it was precisely how the Argentine ace’s time at Barcelona eventually came to a close a few years ago.

Messi’s love for Barcelona, after all, was never a matter that could be questioned as he led the team time and time again through difficult times without any complaints and is widely considered the greatest ever player in the history of the club.

Messi’s love for Barcelona

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the Barcelona legend had special words for the club of his life despite all the mistreatment he faced towards the end of his time at the club.

“I thank God who led me to Barcelona as I spent my whole life in this wonderful club [Barcelona],” he said as revealed by Fabrizio Romano.

Messi loves Barcelona. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

Elaborating on why he considered the Catalan institution so special, the World Cup winner revealed his sense of pride over representing the Blaugrana colours.

“It is a great pride for me to be part of and also a fan of Barcelona. It’s a special club, different from the others, I was lucky to be there.”

Finally, he even congratulated the club on the historic occasion of its 125th anniversary, saying,

“I congratulate Barça on its 125th anniversary.”

While Messi was initially expected to arrive for the festivities tomorrow, the club legend eventually had to pull out owing to previously scheduled commitments that could not be cancelled.

Nevertheless, it has been made clear that the player is not seeking any personal vendetta against the Catalans and his statements over his love for the club only clarify that he still holds a special place for the institution in his heart.