Image shows Lionel Messi still carries Barcelona in his heart | OneFootball

It has now been three years since Lionel Messi left Barcelona, but it is clear that the legendary Argentine has not forgotten his deep connection with the club.

Despite moving on from his time at Barça, Messi still carries a piece of the Blaugrana with him wherever he goes.

A small but telling detail reveals his lasting loyalty to the club. Messi’s mate, a traditional South American drink that he often carries, is kept in a special case.

What makes this case unique is that it features the crests of both Barcelona and the Argentine national team. This simple item shows just how much the club remains a part of his identity, even though his playing days in Barcelona are long behind him.

A tribute on the cards?

Despite achieving everything at Barcelona, there is still one thing missing for Messi – the farewell he never got to experience.

Lionel Messi has the Barcelona crest on his bottle. (Image courtesy Mundo Deportivo)

When he left the club in the summer of 2021, his departure came as a shock to many, and he never had the chance to say a proper goodbye to the fans.

A tribute in his honour is pending, but it will have to wait until the renovation work at the stadium is complete. After that, Messi and his family will work with Barcelona to arrange a fitting farewell, allowing him to finally bid goodbye to the supporters who have idolised him for years.

Messi’s ties to Barcelona run deep, and it is not just about the trophies or the glory. During his time at the club, he rose to become arguably the best player of all time, achieving every possible title at the club level.

His legacy at Barcelona is unmatched, and even now, his actions continue to speak louder than words. Messi has always been open about his desire to return to Barcelona, expressing hopes to reunite with the club once he retires from football.