Lionel Messi will be absent from Barcelona's 125th anniversary: Report

The former Catalan star has other priorities that will see him miss Barca’s anniversary.

Lionel Messi will be absent from Barcelona’s 125th anniversary celebrations, although it was anticipated that the Argentine legend would be able to attend.

Mundo Deportivo claims that Messi, who was invited a little more than two weeks ago, will ultimately not attend the event in Barcelona on Friday, November 29 because of unspecified prior engagements. It was assumed that the 37-year-old would be present, but it appears that he is not.

Due to financial difficulties at the club, Messi left the Catalan powerhouses at the end of the 2021 season, although throughout his tenure at Camp Nou, he became the world’s best player. His name is at the top of a long list of club luminaries, having won six Ballons d’Or and 35 titles at Barcelona.

Even though President Joan Laporta tried to re-sign Messi when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired, this would have been the first time the attacker had returned to Barcelona since 2021. Messi had decided to sign with David Beckham’s Inter Miami owing to additional financial troubles.

🚨🎶 Messi has officially listened to the three finalists of FC Barcelona's 125th Anniversary song! pic.twitter.com/nvCGJhms6N

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 22, 2024

Messi apparently filmed an interview that would be played during the 125th-anniversary celebrations, despite the fact that he will be absent in person.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s season ended with Inter Miami when his side were eliminated from the MLS Cup in a three-match series against Atlanta United. However, the forward did lead his side to the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

Messi will now enjoy the off-season, which ends in mid-February, to get ready for another season with Inter Miami now that the MLS season is done. Messi tied for second place in the Golden Boot race with 21 goals during the 2024 season.

After the international break, Barcelona’s season resumed on Saturday, but they were held 2-2 by Celta de Vigo. Now their rivals Real Madrid, who play Leganes have a chance to cut the seven points deficit to four points.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.