Lionel Messi has reflected on Barcelona’s golden era, describing himself and his former teammates as fortunate to have won major trophies while enjoying the style of football and camaraderie that defined their success at the Spanish club.
The Argentine superstar shared his memories of Barcelona during an interview in Oviedo, Spain, ahead of receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. He recalled not only the team’s achievements but also the enjoyment they experienced together in training and competition.
“In Barcelona, we were lucky to win everything, not only because of what we achieved, but also because of the way we did it, and how much we enjoyed playing, winning, and achieving important milestones,” Messi said.
The 39-year-old added that the time spent with his former teammates remained particularly meaningful, highlighting the happiness they shared throughout their successful years together.
Messi’s Barcelona career remains one of the most decorated periods in modern football. Having joined the club’s youth academy as a teenager, he progressed through the ranks before making his first-team debut in 2004. He went on to become the club’s all-time leading scorer and one of its most influential players.
During his time at the Camp Nou, Messi helped Barcelona win 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and seven Copa del Rey titles, alongside numerous other honours. His individual achievements included eight Ballon d’Or awards, reflecting his sustained excellence at the highest level.
The forward particularly cherished the opportunity to share the dressing room with players such as Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol, whose contributions helped Barcelona establish themselves among Europe’s dominant teams.
Under Pep Guardiola, Barcelona developed a distinctive possession-based style built around quick passing, intelligent movement and collective pressing. The team’s success during that period included winning the Champions League in 2009 and 2011, with Messi playing a central role in both campaigns.
For the Argentine, however, the memories extend beyond the trophies and famous victories. He emphasised the pleasure of everyday life at the club, including training sessions and the relationships formed with teammates.
Messi also spoke warmly about his enduring connection to Barcelona, describing the club and city as important parts of his life.
“Barcelona means a lot to me. I feel special love for the city, the club. It will always be like this,” he said.
The forward spent more than two decades associated with Barcelona before leaving in 2021, when the club’s financial difficulties prevented it from renewing his contract under the required terms. His departure brought an emotional end to a relationship that had shaped both his career and the club’s modern history.
Despite moving to Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has continued to speak fondly of Barcelona and the people who helped define his career.
He also reflected on winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, describing the achievement as the culmination of a lifelong dream. After years of international disappointment, lifting the trophy in Qatar represented one of the defining moments of his career.
Messi is in Spain to receive the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, recognising his achievements and wider contribution to sport. The honour adds another distinction to a career that has included World Cup glory, continental titles and unprecedented individual recognition.
His latest comments offer a reminder that Barcelona’s success was about more than collecting silverware. For Messi, the team’s greatest memories were shaped by the combination of winning, enjoying the game and sharing those experiences with teammates who became central figures in football history.
Although his playing career has taken him away from Europe, his affection for Barcelona remains unchanged, reinforcing the lasting bond between the Argentine and the club where he became a global sporting icon.
