Lionel Messi will not return to Barcelona for the 125th anniversary celebration Due to a personal Reasons.

Confirmed: Lionel Messi will not return to Barcelona for the 125th anniversary festivities.Lionel Messi will now be unable to attend Barcelona’s 125th anniversary celebrations, contrary to prior expectations on the Argentine icon’s presence.

What transpired? Mundo Deportivo reports that Messi will not attend the ceremony in Barcelona on Friday, November 29, due to unspecified previous commitments, having received his invitation just over two weeks ago. The 37-year-old was expected to attend, but that appears not to be the case.

THE OVERARCHING CONTEXT Messi, who departed the Catalan club at the conclusion of the 2021 season due to the club’s financial difficulties, became perhaps the preeminent player in the world during his tenure at Camp Nou. With 35 championships and six Ballons d’Or, his name ranks among the foremost club luminaries.

The ceremony would have signified Messi’s inaugural return to Barcelona since 2021, notwithstanding President Joan Laporta’s efforts to re-acquire the forward after the conclusion of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

Nevertheless, because to additional financial challenges, Messi opted to sign with David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

Did you know? Messi has purportedly recorded an interview that will be played at the 125th anniversary celebrations, despite the fact that he will not be present in person.

MESSI AND BARCELONA: WHAT’S NEXT?

Messi has the time to prepare for another campaign with Inter Miami during the off-season, which concludes in mid-February, following the conclusion of the MLS season.

Messi achieved 21 goals during the 2024 campaign, which put him in a tie for second place in the golden boot contest. Barcelona will recommence their campaign on Saturday, following the international break.

They will maintain six points ahead of their trailing rivals Real Madrid, who are scheduled to play Leganes, if they win their match against Celta Vigo.