Former Argentina superstar Sergio Aguero recalled why he joined Barcelona in 2021 to play alongside compatriot Lionel Messi. Aguero and Messi are known to be close friends on and off the pitch.
Sergio Aguero signed for Barcelona as a free agent from Manchester City in July 2021, weeks before Lionel Messi’s sudden departure from the club. In August that year, the Argentine was forced to bid farewell to his boyhood side due to the Catalans’ looming financial crisis.
Aguero’s run at the Camp Nou also did not end well, as he could make only five appearances for the club, scoring one goal. The former Manchester City superstar was forced to retire from football after being diagnosed with a heart problem in December 2021.
In an interview with The Guardian, Sergio Aguero recalled his decision to join Barcelona to play alongside his compatriot Lionel Messi. At that time, Messi’s departure was not expected. Aguero said (via Ojogo):
Aguero fondly remembered his short time at the Camp Nou and praised the passionate fanbase.
Sergio Aguero was not a part of Argentina’s squad when they lifted the World Cup in 2022. However, the Man City legend was beside Lionel Messi, celebrating his remarkable achievement as images show him carrying La Pulga on his shoulders.
In a 2022 interview with Spanish outlet El Chiringuito TV (via Barca Universal), Sergio Aguero claimed that Messi was excited to renew his contract with Barca in 2021. The Argentine was set to sign a new deal with the Catalans that season, but the club was unable to renew him due to financial constraints.
Lionel Messi’s legacy at Barcelona will remain unparalleled, although football fans will always agree that the legend deserved a better farewell. The Argentine led the Catalan side to a club-record 35 titles and contributed 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 outings across competitions.
It remains to be seen if Messi ever returns to his boyhood side in some capacity. However, reports suggest his alleged sour relationship with president Joan Laporta makes it unlikely in the near future.
Pratyasha is an ardent admirer of Lionel Messi and has followed his journey since she was a kid; he inspires her with his hard work and dedication. She has grown up watching, living, and breathing Satyajit Ray’s cinema, which she believes is timeless. She loves Taylor Swift’s music and thinks she’s a lyrical genius, and also admires Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
When Pratyasha’s off the clock, she enjoys reading books and listening to music. During the football season, she is usually busy watching football matches late at night when Barcelona are playing.
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