Sergi Roberto has expressed his desire for Barcelona to work out an arrangement that would see Lionel Messi return to Camp Nou, as the Argentine star has faced unfavorable treatment at PSG.
Messi’s Journey Since Leaving Barcelona
The esteemed winner of the Ballon d’Or seven times, Lionel Messi, departed from Catalunya for Paris in 2021 and is nearing the conclusion of his second season with Parc des Princes. During this period, Messi achieved the status of a World Cup winner; however, his performance at the club level has not consistently met expectations. After Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 loss to Rennes, he faced jeers from the crowd and left the field, fueling speculation that he might exit PSG as a free agent when his contract ends in the summer.
Sergi Roberto’s Desire for Messi’s Return
Sergi Roberto has shown enthusiasm about reuniting with his ex-colleague at Barcelona. In a conversation with Jijantes FC, he mentioned that if it were up to the players, they would welcome Messi back with open arms. Sergi, who spoke after scoring in Barca’s 2-1 Clasico victory over Real Madrid, also commented on Messi’s treatment at PSG, emphasizing that despite his good performance, the Champions League elimination has led to undue criticism.
Speculations Around Messi’s Future
There has been a resurgence of discussions hinting at Messi’s potential return to Barcelona, although he has also been linked to teams in MLS and Saudi Arabia. At 35 years old, the legendary player may be preparing for a remarkable journey back to his former club.
Early Years of Messi’s Career
Lionel Messi’s journey in the world of football began at a young age. Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi joined the Newell’s Old Boys, a local youth team, where he displayed exceptional talent. At just 13 years old, Messi and his family relocated to Spain, where he signed with FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy. Throughout his time at La Masia, Messi honed his skills and eventually made his debut for the Barcelona senior team in 2004.
Lionel Messi’s Rise to Stardom
Messi’s performances quickly captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. In the 2004-2005 season, he became the youngest player to score a league goal for Barcelona. His incredible dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring abilities made him an indispensable player for the team. By the 2006-2007 season, Messi had already scored 17 goals and provided 5 assists in 36 appearances.
The 2008-2009 season marked the beginning of an era of unprecedented success for Messi and Barcelona. Under the guidance of coach Pep Guardiola, Messi played a crucial role in securing a historic treble, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League titles.
Breaking Records and Achieving Greatness
Lionel Messi’s career reached new heights in the following seasons as he broke numerous records and set new milestones. In the 2011-2012 season, he scored an astonishing 73 goals in all competitions, setting a new European record. He also became the first player to score five goals in a single Champions League match.
In 2012, Messi surpassed Gerd Muller’s long-standing record of 85 goals in a calendar year, scoring 91 goals in total. He continued to break records, becoming Barcelona’s all-time top scorer and the top scorer in La Liga history.
An Era of Unrivaled Success
Throughout his time at Barcelona, Messi led the team to ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey championships, and four UEFA Champions League trophies. Additionally, he won the Ballon d’Or award, given to the world’s best player, on seven occasions.
Messi also shined on the international stage, representing Argentina in multiple tournaments. He played an essential role in securing the Copa America title in 2021, ending Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought.
A Legacy Beyond Compare
Lionel Messi’s impact on the sport of football is immeasurable. His extraordinary skills, relentless work ethic, and remarkable achievements left an indelible mark on the history of the game. As one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s past performances will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.