Blaugrana’s Beloved! Lionel Messi Named ‘Most Beloved Player In Barca History’

Last Updated:November 20, 2025, 11:39 IST

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner who joined the Blaugrana as a 13-year-old and went on to clinch an astounding 35 titles in Barca colours.

Argentine World Cup-winner Lionel Messi was named the most beloved player in the history of La Liga giants Barcelona on Thursday, by newspaper SPORT, in a befitting nod to the icon’s contributions towards the team during his trophy-laden 17-year stint at the Catalan club.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner who joined the Blaugrana as a 13-year-old in he early 2000s went on to clinch an astounding 35 titles in Catalan colours, including 10 La Liga crowns, 4 UEFA Champions League titles and the FIFA Club World Cup thrice.

ALSO READ| This Time For Achraf! Hakimi Named African Player Of The Year 2025

Messi had to depart Barcelona and make the witch to PSG in the year 2021 as the Spanish heavyweights found themselves in a crunch financial situation.

Messi reiterated that he still calls the city his home and would like to return to Catalonia, where he spent most of his career one day.

“I will definitely return to Barcelona to be in the stands like every fan to follow and support the team and the club,” the 38-year-old said.

“I wanted to spend my entire career at Barcelona. But, unfortunately, it happened differently, but I’m very grateful for this award,” the genius from Rosario said.

Messi moved to MLS side Inter Miami in 2023 and has gone on to revolutionise the sport in the North American nation ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup slated to be hosted in USA, Canada and Mexico.

“For now, I’ll probably stay in Miami for a few more years. But we will return to Barcelona because, as I’ve always said, it’s my place and my home,” the magician from Argentina said.

“We miss it a lot, so we will go back there,” he added.

Messi who achieved his crowning moment in the 2022 FIFA World Cup as he added another star to the fabled Albiceleste shirt with his heroics in Qatar, will look to defend the coveted title in North America.

Read More