Lionel Messi is set to return to Barcelona for the club’s 125th anniversary celebration on November 29, 2024. Th event will take place at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, and it represents a significant moment for both Messi and the club, marking his first visit back to Camp Nou since his departure in 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona had initially hoped to align this celebration with the reopening of the newly refurbished Spotify Camp Nou, but due to construction delays, that event has been postponed to April 2025.

Despite this, the anniversary gala is proceeding, focusing on institutional matters and celebrating the club’s history with the presence of several club legends. Messi’s attendance was in question due to his commitments with Inter Miami, especially considering the potential overlap with the MLS playoffs. However, with Inter Miami’s early exit from the playoffs, Messi’s schedule cleared up, allowing him to confirm his participation in the event.

This return is particularly emotional as it comes after a period of strained relations with the club’s president, Joan Laporta, following Messi’s exit. The celebration is not just about Messi; other legends like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Pep Guardiola are also expected to attend, highlighting the rich history of the club. Messi’s decision to attend, despite the past conflicts, underscores his deep connection to Barcelona and his willingness to prioritize the club’s legacy over personal disputes. This event is seen as a symbolic reconciliation between Messi and Barcelona, offering fans a moment to celebrate one of the greatest footballers in the club’s history and to look forward to future connections with him in different capacities.

The Manchester City Gaffer Pep Guardiola has committed to Manchester City, signing a new two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2027.

This decision confirms his dedication to the team, where he has been since 2016, leading them to multiple successes including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, and more. Guardiola expressed his strong connection to the club, highlighting that “Manchester City means so much to me” and his desire to continue adding trophies to their collection.

This news is seen as a significant boost for Manchester City, especially at a time when they are facing challenges both on and off the pitch, including a run of losses and the departure of key staff members like director of football.

His decision to stay comes despite Manchester City experiencing a rare losing streak in all competitions, highlighting his desire to continue contributing to the club’s success. Guardiola expressed his happiness and commitment, stating that Manchester City means a lot to him and he looks forward to adding more trophies to their collection.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken significant steps in response to the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The GFA issued a formal apology to the people of Ghana for the Black Stars’ inability to qualify for AFCON 2025, acknowledging the disappointment this has caused among fans and the nation.

Following the disappointing qualification campaign, the GFA has dissolved the Black Stars’ Management Committee. This move is part of broader changes aimed at restructuring the team’s management and administration.

There’s an indication from the GFA’s statements that they are planning a thorough review of the team’s strategies, training, player management, and overall structure. This review aims at addressing the root causes of the team’s recent underperformance.

The sentiment on social media and among sports commentators reflects widespread frustration and calls for accountability from the GFA.

There’s significant criticism regarding the management’s approach, player selections, and the lack of clear strategy or development for the national team.

The GFA has scheduled meetings to discuss the way forward. These include discussions with the head coach, Otto Addo, to evaluate his technical report and possibly his future with the team. There’s also mention of a broader stakeholder retreat to gather input on how to revive Ghana’s football fortunes.

The Black Stars’ miss of the 2025 AFCON marks a historic low for Ghanaian football, prompting these significant organizational changes.

The overarching goal appears to be an overhaul of both the technical and administrative facets of the national team setup to restore the Black Stars to their former competitive status.