Lionel Messi has sparked fresh speculation about a return to Barcelona, four years after his emotional departure from the club. The Argentine superstar, currently playing for Inter Miami, reportedly expressed his desire to play at the newly renovated Camp Nou before retiring. The revelation has reignited discussions about a possible reunion with the club where he built his legacy.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 due to financial constraints that prevented the club from renewing his contract, leading him to sign with Paris Saint-Germain. Despite enjoying success in France and later moving to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami in 2023, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has remained linked to a potential comeback. His latest comments suggest he still holds unfinished business with the Catalan giants.
Speaking to DSports, journalist Alex Candal claimed that Messi himself stated, “I can’t leave football without playing at the new Camp Nou.” This has fueled speculation that Barcelona could explore options to bring him back, either for a competitive stint or a farewell match. Candal, who previously broke the news of Messi’s move to Miami, believes there is substance to the claim.
However, financial challenges remain a major hurdle for Barcelona. The club has struggled with player registrations due to La Liga’s strict financial regulations, making a high-profile signing like Messi difficult. His current contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of 2025, which means any potential move would require careful financial planning.
While some reports suggest Messi’s return could be in the form of a special friendly match, others believe Barcelona could attempt to secure him for a short-term spell before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If that happens, the legendary forward would have the opportunity to bid farewell to the club and its fans on the pitch, rather than through a tearful press conference like in 2021.
For now, Messi remains focused on his commitments with Inter Miami, but his words have once again set the football world buzzing. Whether he returns for a final competitive run or simply to grace the new Camp Nou one last time, one thing is certain—his bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable.
