Barcelona supporters honoured club legend Lionel Messi in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou.
Messi amassed 672 goals in 778 matches during his time with Barcelona to become the club's all-time top scorer. The Argentine helped bring significant success to the club, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
The club legend's time at the Camp Nou ended in difficult circumstances in 2021, when he was allowed to depart on a free transfer due to the club's financial situation. Messi subsequently spent two years with Paris Saint-Germain before he joined Inter Miami in 2023.
While he may no longer be a player with the club, Messi's affection for Barcelona was clear to see when he made an unannounced visit to Camp Nou at the start of the November international break.
The Barcelona faithful have since shown their appreciation for their greatest-ever player since they returned to the Camp Nou for a La Liga game against Athletic Club on November 22.
The fans have chanted, ‘Messi, Messi” in the 10th minute in their home games back at Camp Nou. That was no different on Tuesday night as supporters chanted Messi's name in the league match against Atletico Madrid, with the 10th minute chosen to represent Messi's iconic squad number at Barcelona.
Barcelona chief addresses Messi chants
Commenting on the chants, Barcelona sporting director Deco admitted it made perfect sense for the fans to pay tribute to the Argentina international.
“Leo will have a lifelong impact,” Deco said as per Mundo Deportivo. “For me, Leo is the best player in the club's history, along with Johan [Cruyff] and Ronnie (Ronaldinho). It's normal, being from this generation, not to forget Leo.”
After the supporters paid tribute to Messi, they saw their side come from behind to claim a 3-1 victory against Diego Simeone's charges, thanks to goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.
As for Messi, his current focus is on Inter Miami's MLS Cup clash against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, with his side aiming to become MLS champions for the first time in their history.
FGG says: Long may the chants continue
Barcelona fans would have appreciated Messi's decision to visit his old stomping ground last month, especially as there is a sense of unfinished business following the manner of the Argentine's departure in 2021.
Messi is unlikely to return to Barcelona as a player, but he, at some point in the future, deserves the chance to officially say farewell to his adoring faithful Camp Nou.
In regard to the chants, Barcelona fans are likely to continue to pay tribute to Messi now that they are back at their Camp Nou home.