The 1x1 of the great absentees at the 125th anniversary of FC Barcelona

Barça celebrated its 125th anniversary at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, an incomparable setting that brought together almost 2,000 guests representing institutions, sportsmen and personalities who have been, are and will be living history of the Barça club.

They all wanted to accompany FC Barcelona on such a significant date, however, Barcelona fans missed the presence of many others who, for different reasons, could not be at Barça's side on its 125th birthday.

Below, we review 1x1 of the main absences in the 125th anniversary of FC Barcelona and the reasons:

LEO MESSI, INEXPLICABLE: That FC Barcelona celebrates its 125th anniversary without the presence of the most important player in its history is incomprehensible. Officially, Messi was unable to attend the gala due to unavoidable commitments, although he at least expressed feeling lucky to have been linked to Barcelona and acknowledged continuing to support it as a fan:

"First, I would like to congratulate you on these 125 years. I would like to tell you that it is an honour to be part of the club, to be a Barcelona fan. I was lucky that God brought me to this place and made me spend my whole life in this wonderful club"

A nice and sincere message from the eternal Barça '10' but... today he had to be in Barcelona and he knows it. On Friday, November 29, 2024, the only unavoidable commitment was precisely this one...

Guardiola, Iniesta, Puyol... In addition to Leo Messi, there were many other notable absences, such as Guardiola, Iniesta, Puyol, Luis Enrique, Busquets, Jordi Alba, David Villa, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo... who made up for it with a recorded message, except for Pep, who is going through a difficult time at City and only sang a song by the group Manel with playback.

Iniesta: "For those of us who are Barça fans, growing up, living and representing the club is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to us"

Busquets: "I'll remember my debut, not because of the result but because of everything that came after"

Jordi Alba: "My best memory is when I laid the first stone at the Ciudad Deportiva"

David Villa: "It has been an honour for me to wear this shirt and defend this badge"

Luis Enrique: "How time flies for everyone, but Barça remains strong"

Ronaldinho: "I love you, Barça"

Neymar: "I am part of a story that I will always carry in my heart"

Rivaldo: "I am very happy to be part of Barça's history"

The Barça Femení players

FC Barcelona had asked the RFEF to allow international players to participate in the 125th anniversary gala. However, the federation incomprehensibly denied the presence of the players because the event coincided with a friendly between the Spanish women's team and South Korea.

Alexia Putellas was able to attend the event as she was not called up for the friendly due to her injury. However, Aitana Bonmatí, current winner of the Ballon d'Or, Cata Coll, Ona Batlle, Jana Fernández, Patri Guijarro, Claudia Pina and Vicky López were unable to attend a historic day for FC Barcelona due to a friendly match. No comments…