Inter Miami star Lionel Messi’s sudden departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 remains one of the most talked-about incidents. Now, Blaugrana legend Andres Iniesta has shared his honest thoughts on the possibility of a homecoming for the Argentine.
But what has the ex-Spain international said about Messi’s relationship with Barcelona?
Andres Iniesta Opens Up on Lionel Messi-Barcelona Connection
Last month, Messi unexpectedly appeared at Barcelona’s home ground, Camp Nou, to visit the stadium during its redevelopment. His appearance in Barcelona sparked several reports suggesting that the Argentine could return to the La Liga side.
During a recent chat with MARCA, Iniesta was asked if the Inter Miami captain could return to the Blaugrana in the future and whether Messi is still pained by his 2021 exit.
“I don’t know if there is a wound or not. I can’t add anything beyond what Leo means to Barça. That will never change, whoever is there, whatever the moment. I don’t know if he will come back at some point and in what capacity, but the most important thing is what Leo means to Barça,” Iniesta replied.
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During his time at the Catalans’ senior side between 2004 and 2021, the Argentina captain cemented himself as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He bagged 672 goals, a club record, and registered 303 assists in 778 total appearances for the Blaugrana, winning 34 trophies.
Messi Labels Former Barcelona Boss As the ‘Best’
During a chat with ESPN, Messi lavished praise on Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who guided the Argentine at the start of his career. He also suggested that the City boss is the best soccer coach in the world.
“For me, Guardiola is unique. There are extraordinarily good coaches, but he has something different. For me, he’s the best of all of them. When it comes to seeing things, preparing for matches, and communicating with the players, he’s very complete,” the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning captain said.
Messi, whose Inter Miami contract will expire in December 2028, concluded, “He’s the best, and we were lucky to have him at Barcelona. He got together with the players we had and the right pieces came together for what he intended, to achieve everything that was achieved.”
Messi, 38, played under Guardiola for four years at Barcelona, from 2008 to 2012. He helped the former Bayern Munich manager lift three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, contributing 211 goals and 90 assists in just 219 total games.
