Lionel Messi has expressed his heartfelt desire to return to Barcelona in the future, following a recent visit to the club's ongoing Nou Camp redevelopment. The World Cup winner, who left the Catalan giants in 2021 after his contract expired, posted an emotional statement on Instagram pledging to come back.
During his visit, Messi wrote: 'Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart. It's a place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over. I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do.'
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also expressed keenness to honour Messi with a fitting tribute. He said: 'Of course, I would love that. It would be a beautiful way to express our gratitude and recognition. Once the stadium reaches its new capacity, we can organise the tribute he and the club truly deserve.'
Messi, 37, currently plays for Inter Miami, having joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. He penned a fresh contract with the MLS side last month, tying him to the club until 2028. However, speculation persists over a potential short-term loan move during the MLS off-season, with Turkish side Galatasaray mooted as a possible destination to keep him match‑fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Despite any temporary moves, Messi's long‑term future appears set at Inter Miami, but his emotional connection to Barcelona remains strong. The Argentine's departure from Barcelona four years ago was forced by the club's dire financial situation, preventing them from offering a new contract.
