The Argentine superstar received this honor following a fan vote. Proud of this title, given the caliber of the players competing, he remains determined to return to Catalonia one day or another.
Messi’s record at Barcelona: goals and major titles
Messi recently traveled to Catalonia for a secret visit to the Camp Nou, as the legendary stadium prepares to reopen its doors after a spectacular renovation.
An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi became a global icon when he graced the Camp Nou pitch, scoring 672 goals in 778 matches. He won 10 Spanish league titles and four Champions Leagues with the Blaugrana, becoming the most successful player in history.
GOAT status: Messi ahead of Cruyff and Ronaldinho
He was named GOAT by Barça fans, ahead of legends like Johan Cruyff, Ronaldinho, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. When presented with this award by SPORT magazine, Messi declared: “This award is very special because of what it represents and where it comes from. We’ve been through a lot together, some good and some not so good, but that’s normal, because a career is not always a smooth river. This is my home, my place, and my people. » Messi reaffirmed this when discussing his future plans, having already admitted that he and his wife Antonela planned to move back to Barcelona once his playing career is over: “ÉObviously, I will come back. I will be at the stadium like any other supporter, following the team, the club, like any other fan. For now, I will stay here (in Miami) for a few more years, most likely, but we will return to Barcelona because, as I always said, it is my home. We miss it a lot, so we will return. »
Messi spoke about his unwavering bond with Barcelona after watching a video where fans thanked him for his contribution to the club: “ The truth is that we have been through so many challenges together, some good and some not so good, which is normal in such a long career; everything is not rosy, and we are going through difficult times. But hey, it’s my home, my club, my people. I would have liked to spend my whole career there without having to go to another club. And… and, finally, having only played here in Europe. »
