Lionel Messi, the legendary former FC Barcelona forward, is expected to attend the club’s 125th anniversary celebration on November 29, marking a highly anticipated reunion following his emotional departure in 2021. The gala, set to take place at Barcelona’s historic Gran Teatre del Liceu, will commemorate the club’s rich legacy and feature many prominent figures from Barcelona’s history.

According to reports from journalist Miguel Rico and Fabrizio Romano, Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), is open to attending the event if formally invited. Despite lingering tensions with FC Barcelona’s current leadership, particularly President Joan Laporta, Messi is reportedly willing to set aside past grievances for the sake of the club’s historic celebration.

The departure of Messi, Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, was a contentious chapter for the club. After a long-standing promise from Laporta to retain Messi, financial constraints forced an unexpected farewell, leaving the football icon and fans alike without a proper goodbye. The November gala now presents an opportunity for the club to honor Messi and perhaps begin mending their relationship.

While Laporta attempted to bring Messi back to Barcelona in 2023, the move was thwarted by complex contractual obligations with MLS and Inter Miami. The anniversary celebration offers fans the next best thing—a symbolic reunion that could serve as a form of closure for the Blaugrana faithful.

Messi has frequently expressed his deep affection for the club he considers a second home. For this grand event, organizers have commissioned a special anniversary anthem, and renowned Catalan artist Miquel Barceló has contributed artwork to mark the occasion. In addition to Messi, other Barcelona legends, including former players and coaches, are expected to attend.

Barcelona fans eagerly await the chance to see Messi reunited with the club, hoping for a meaningful moment that pays tribute to his years in Catalonia. The evening promises to be a powerful blend of nostalgia and celebration, as Messi joins the club in honoring its storied heritage, a connection he affirmed by recently declaring, “I am Argentine and Catalan. These are my two homes.”

The gala at Liceu Theatre could provide Messi the opportunity to reconnect with the club’s fans and celebrate Barcelona’s lasting legacy, reminding everyone of the unbreakable bond he still shares with his beloved Blaugrana.