Reminiscing about Lionel Messi’s illustrious spell at Barcelona is enough to send goosebumps down one’s spine.
Despite his bittersweet goodbye, he donned the Blaugrana jersey for 17 seasons, during which the radiant blue and garnet shone brighter than ever.
Barcelona preparing for massive tribute
Aiming to honour Messi’s brilliance at the club he left an indelible mark at, Football Transfers have reported that Barcelona officials are planning what has been deemed the “best tribute match ever” for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
It idea is to hold it on November 29, 2024, which also happens to be the club’s 125th anniversary – the date penned for fans to return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou.
In what promises to be an incredible event, a World XI and a Barcelona Legends XI, led by Messi himself, would face off, with some of the biggest names in football history expected to be invited.
The board, chaired by Joan Laporta, will welcome having the best player in FC Barcelona history be present and receive a well-deserved tribute.
Former legends will be present
In this homage match, former Barcelona players David Villa, Ronaldinho, Cesc Fabregas, Rivaldo, Romario, Luis Enrique, and Ronaldo are all invited to play.
Other players who could don the Barcelona shirt again include Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Messi’s close friend Sergio Aguero.
Plans for Messi’s tribute underway.
Looking to create a comparable caliber of competition, the Catalan giants are prepared to invite a long list of legendary players, including former rivals.
There is hope that Cristiano Ronaldo could play if he can be released from his commitments with Al-Nassr that weekend.
Other former Real Madrid players who have allegedly been asked to play against Barça include Sergio Ramos, David Beckham, Gareth Bale, and Zinedine Zidane.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Diego Simeone have also been invited to compete, while legendary players from the Premier League like Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and John Terry may possibly participate too.
As for the ticket prices, they are anticipated to begin at €250, with the game set to be held at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou.
