Barcelona’s Spanish league title, secured with a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clásico, was celebrated far from Catalonia by legendary figures who left their mark on the club: Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and former coach Luis Enrique.
The club’s all-time greatest idol, now playing for Inter Miami in the United States, proved that his distance from Barcelona is only geographical. Just 20 minutes after the final whistle at Camp Nou, the Argentine superstar took to social media to celebrate the La Liga triumph. “Campeones! Visca el Barça!” Messi wrote on Instagram, using the Catalan phrase for “Champions! Long live Barça!”
“Visca el Barça!” was also the message posted by Ronaldinho Gaúcho on his social media accounts. The Brazilian legend shared his excitement, joining the chorus of ex-players honoring the club’s latest achievement.
Twenty years ago, Ronaldinho and Messi were celebrating a Spanish league double as Barcelona players—a feat repeated this season by a squad featuring Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The current crop of stars has kept the winning tradition alive.
Luis Enrique, now manager of Paris Saint-Germain, played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, ending his career at the Catalan side. On Sunday, the former Spanish striker made no secret of which rival has his heart. Still at the Parc des Princes after seeing his PSG beat Brest 1-0—practically securing the French league title—Enrique asked about the result of the Spanish Clásico. Upon learning that Barça had clinched the championship, the coach who led the club to its last UEFA Champions League title (2014/15) celebrated in front of the press: “Toma!” he exclaimed with a grin.
The title not only adds another trophy to Barcelona’s rich history but also highlights the enduring bond between the club and its icons, no matter where they are.