Will Lionel Messi attend Barcelona's 125th anniversary gala? Report provides update

Lionel Messi will not attend Barcelona’s 125th anniversary gala. The event is scheduled for November 29 at the prestigious Liceu Theatre.

A few days ago, it was reported that Lionel Messi is expected to attend Barcelona's anniversary ceremony after he received a personalized invite from club president Joan Laporta. The diminutive Argentine is arguably Barca’s greatest-ever player. He left as the club’s all-time leading scorer in 2021. In 778 games for the club, he registered 672 goals and 303 assists.

The news of his presence at the event had sparked a lot of excitement among the Camp Nou faithful. However, according to the latest report from Mundo Deportivo, Lionel Messi will not attend the event. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has already made commitments elsewhere. These commitments are unavoidable as they were scheduled months in advance.

The report further claimed that Messi received the invitation 15 days ago. Although he won’t attend the gala, it doesn’t mean he won’t take part in the ceremony. The Argentine legend has reportedly been interviewed by the commissioner of the event, David Caraben. La Blaugrana are expected to pick a part of his pre-recorded message and play it at the event.

Lionel Messi says Barcelona’s current form is spectacular, but he is not surprised

During an interview with the TV3 program 'El nou Clam' (via Mundo Deportivo), Lionel Messi said he is excited about Barcelona’s current form but added that it didn’t surprise him. Hansi Flick’s arrival has turned around the fortunes of the Catalan club as they are on an upward spiral in the ongoing season.

La Blaugrana are at the summit of the La Liga table with 33 points after 13 games. The team’s attack has been incredible as they have scored the most goals in Europe’s top five leagues this term.

However, to Messi, Barca's recent upturn in fortunes is something that has been customary with the club. The Argentine icon said (via Mundo Deportivo):

"I think it's spectacular and it doesn't surprise me because it's not something new, it's been happening all my life, or at least since I arrived at Barcelona when I was 13."

"I think it's spectacular that the boys have had the opportunity for a couple of years now. When they are given the opportunity and the trust, they respond in this way because they know the club better than anyone else and because they are used to playing this way since they were little and when they are supported, these things happen, as happened in another era as well," he added.

Lionel Messi is a product of Barcelona’s well-famed La Masia academy. The 37-year-old won multiple trophies during his time at the club.