On November 16, 2003, the 16-year-old Argentine Lionel Messi made his debut in Barcelona under the leadership of head coach Frank Rijkaard. The friendly match with Porto was led by the upstart coach People have high hopes for it, led by Jose Mourinho.
Nearly 18 years later, Messi has left a huge mark not only in Barcelona but also throughout the sport.
On Sunday, the 34-year-old from Rosario bid farewell in tears to a club he never thought he would leave.
Messi said at the press conference: “My family and I are convinced that we will stay here, at home.” “This is the end of this club, and now a new story will begin.
“Yes, this is one of the most difficult moments for me. I don’t want to leave this club. This is a club I love, and this is a moment I didn’t expect.
“Last year, I wanted to leave. This year I want to stay. That’s why I’m so sad. It’s like my blood is getting cold. I’m really sad. It’s really hard until now. I’m still trying to deal with it all. . When I get home, I still feel sad. Things will get worse. I’m not ready yet.”
❝When I debuted, it was my dream come true…I will always remember that moment. ❞
– Leo #Messi pic.twitter.com/BPhg0c6zF7
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2021
Non-repeatable_ pic.twitter.com/xpWRDlHyCq
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2021
Messi’s achievements in Barcelona are almost beyond description. Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, who played for the four major clubs at the same time, and his compatriot Diego Maradona, who is remembered for the glory of the World Cup, Messi always seems to be synonymous with a club.
Messi is Camp Nou. Camp Nou is Messi.
Messi and Barcelona have won more than 30 championships together. These trophies include 4 Champions League champions, 10 La Liga champions, and 7 Copa del Rey champions.
His club record is incredible.
Not only is he the best scorer in Barcelona’s history, he also holds the record for the most goals scored by any player for a club (672), surpassing Pele’s 643 goals for Santos.
Messi has played more games in Barcelona (778 times) than any other player. He left Barcelona with 11 points more than the legendary midfielder Harvey.
In the 2011-12 season, Messi was the player who scored the most goals in a single season (73 goals) in all competitions. Messi performed 48 hat tricks at Barcelona.
He has always dazzled La Liga fans. After Maradona scored the “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup, the 19-year-old long-haired player scored an unforgettable goal in Getafe’s defense.
⚽: April 18, 2007. The 1/2 Copa del Rey tour takes place between FC Barcelona and Camp Nou Getafe.Messi launched an extraordinary solo raid in the midfield. He dribbled 5 players and goalkeepers and scored one of the most beautiful goals in history. pic.twitter.com/vZgug1Rj1c
— Franceat (@Franceatpresso2) August 8, 2021
ESPN quoted sources as saying that Messi signed a two-year agreement with Paris Saint-Germain, where he will join former Barcelona teammate Neymar and Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria.
Messi admitted that a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain is a “possibility”.
“I haven’t reached any agreement with anyone. I am interested in different clubs. Nothing is certain, but obviously we are talking to them,” he said.
