WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona have been setting a statement since Hansi Flick was appointed head coach this summer and this week can be seen as a major milestone in their hopes of rising back up to the top after a few years of underperforming as a unit. The Catalan side saw Robert Lewandowski score twice before Lamine Yamal and Raphinha scored to condemn Los Blancos to their first La Liga loss in 43 matches.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after the Catalan side were unable to extend the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract due to their economic troubles. In 2023, Barcelona approached the club legend to talk about re-signing him after his contract ran down at Paris Saint-Germain, however, due to Messi’s reported mistrust of club president Joan Laporta, he turned down the offer and joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Since then, reports have suggested that there is some animosity between the Argentine and Barcelona. Nonetheless, Messi sent a message to the club after their ‘beautiful’ victory against Real Madrid.
WHAT MESSI SAID
In Barcelona’s Instagram post celebrating their 4-0 win against their bitter rivals, Messi commented: “What a beautiful victory!!”
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
There have been talks of Barcelona potentially hosting the La Finalissima final between Spain and Argentina at Camp Nou once they reopen their stadium after renovations are completed. The club hopes to do so as a tribute to Messi and celebrating his achievements with the Catalan side.